The Georgia Food Industry Education Foundation (GFIEF) awards scholarships to deserving students associated with our industry.  Since 1995 the Foundation has awarded over $2.3 million in scholarships! Scholarships vary annually; however, the Foundation consistently awards over 100 scholarships each year ranging from $500 - $4,000 per student. Don't miss an opportunity to benefit from this valuable member service.
Applications are accepted online January 1 - March 1
If prompted, the program key is - GFIA
  • You must be a high school senior, college freshman, sophomore or junior attending college, trade/vocational school. On-line accredited college programs may be eligible. Graduate school programs are not eligible.
  • You must enroll as a student in the Fall of 2025. Payments cannot be held or be retro-applied. Exceptions can be considered but require advance approval before winners are announced. 
  • You must be an employee of a GFIA member company or dependents of a full-time GFIA member company employee.
  • The parent-employee must have been employed for at least one year as of January 1st.
  • The student-employee must have been employed for at least six months as of January 1st.
  • You or your parent/guardian must be employed by the GFIA member company at the time awards are announced and distributed. Winners are confirmed in April and must formally accept awards in May.  Checks are distributed in July. Exact dates vary year to year.  Exceptions can be submitted and reviewed IF the employee is eligible for rehire.  If you notify your employer that you are leaving for college and will no longer be employed in July, exceptions can be submitted and reviewed if the employee is eligible for rehire (i.e. in good standing).
  • Foundation awards are available to all current GFIA member companies; retailers, wholesalers and suppliers. This includes Georgia based/serviced stores, offices and active representatives. Home offices that are outside of Georgia but are active with the GFIA are also eligible. Out of state locations serviced by their Georgia division are also eligible for that company's Piggyback Awards only.  Applicants from out of state store locations will not be eligible for other Foundation awards. Applicant employer locations will be reviewed and final decision is that of the GFIEF. 

Check out the FAQ for more information.
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Jan 1 - March 1: Applications accepted
March - April: Applications judged and employment verified
May - June: Winners announced
July: Scholarship checks mailed to recipient
If you experience any technical difficulties, please contact ISTS directly at (855) 670-ISTS (4787)
If you have any general questions about the scholarship program, or eligibility requirements, you may call the GFIA office at (770) 438-7744.​