Taste of Buffalo announces scholarship opportunities

WNY high school seniors with aspiring careers in food service & hospitality industries encouraged to apply for scholarships from Taste of Buffalo, Tops Friendly Markets

The Taste of Buffalo presented by Tops Friendly Markets is now accepting applications for its annual scholarship program to support Western New York-area high school seniors aspiring to have careers in the food service, hospitality, and culinary arts industries.

This year’s program will award three $500 scholarships on behalf of the Taste, and one $1,000 scholarship in partnership with Tops. Awards will be given based on the criteria and terms described in the scholarship applications. To be eligible for any of these four scholarships, students must be residents of Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Wyoming, Genesee, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus or Allegany counties, and have enrolled in a two- or four-year college in an eligible degree program.

The three $500 scholarships will be awarded to students who will pursue a degree in the food service or hospitality industries such as chef, baking and pastry arts, travel and tourism, or hotel management. The $1,000 scholarship, awarded in partnership with Tops, is targeted toward students pursuing a degree in a culinary arts or culinary arts management discipline such as nutrition and wellness, holistic nutrition, food entrepreneurship, food retail operations, restaurant operations, food science, dietetics, food stylist or food photography.

“We’re pleased to present a local Western New York youth with the Taste of Buffalo scholarship valued at $1,000,” said Ron Ferri, president, Tops Friendly Markets. “This scholarship, which was created in recognition of Tops’ ongoing commitment to the Taste of Buffalo, allows us the unique opportunity to help pave the way for a young adult as they pursue their dreams.”

Applicants may apply for either the Taste of Buffalo scholarships or the Tops scholarship, but not both. The Taste and Tops encourage interested applicants to select the scholarship that best fits their career path.

“The Taste of Buffalo is proud to continue its commitment to Western New York youth and the growth of our thriving food service industry,” said 2024 Taste of Buffalo Chair Tom Mahoney. “We are thrilled to partner in this endeavor with our valued presenting sponsor Tops, as we look to cultivate the next generation of the food service, hospitality, and culinary arts workforce.”

For additional scholarship criteria, or to download an application, click here. The application deadline is April 18. Selected recipients will be notified no later than May 5.