Morgan Willis and Reagan Wirrick, students at Utah Valley University (UVU), were recently selected as two of 18 nationwide to each receive prestigious $20,000 scholarships from US Foods. The scholarships, awarded to students from ten schools across the country, recognize exceptional academic achievement in culinary arts and related fields.
For the first time ever, US Foods expanded its scholarship program nationwide, offering support to students pursuing two- or four-year degrees in culinary arts, baking and pastry, chef training, or business management. Willis is from Mona, Utah, and is majoring in culinary arts, while Wirrick is from Pleasant Grove, Utah, and is studying hospitality management.
“It’s incredible to feel that such an influential company and its culinary voices across the country chose me to be their scholar,” said Willis. “I feel overwhelming support in my education and pursuit of my career. With the financial backing, I can take my education to another level without worrying about how I will do it.”
Willis views cooking as a universal way to connect with people and is eager to seize every opportunity to grow her skills at UVU. She remains grateful to the program that recognized her dedication to the industry. Meanwhile, Wirrick, who has been working in food services since she was 14, began to see the culinary field as a potential career after touring UVU’s Culinary Arts Institute.
“My most memorable moment in the kitchen was my first experience in the role of sous-chef at our fine dining restaurant at Utah Valley University,” Wirrick said. “It was challenging, but once I got the hang of it, I learned so much about how important everyone in the kitchen is. I was able to see the whole operation in a way I never had before.”
Much like her rewarding experience as a sous-chef, Reagan will receive more learning opportunities through the scholarship.
US Foods is one of America’s leading food service distributors, partnering with approximately 250,000 restaurants and food service operators to help their businesses succeed. The company has over 70 locations and approximately 30,000 associates.
As the restaurant industry faces a shrinking workforce, it’s still projected to grow 8% over the next decade — faster than the national average. To sustain the future of the culinary industry, the US Foods Scholars program scholarship provides both financial assistance and mentorship opportunities to exceptional hospitality management and culinary arts students, including Willis and Wirrick.
The US Foods Scholars program has provided more than $2 million in scholarships since 2017 to help over 100 students like Willis and Wirrick achieve their educational goals while also contributing to the development of strong talents for the culinary and hospitality industries.
“The US Foods Scholars program is a testament to the importance of investing in the next generation of culinary and hospitality professionals,” said Dave Flitman, CEO of US Foods. “By providing both financial support and development opportunities, we aim to ensure a strong and talented workforce for the industry’s future.”
