Foundation
The Ohio Grocers Foundation (OGF) is the educational and philanthropic arm of the Ohio Grocers Association (OGA). The OGF functions for the benefit of the Ohio Grocers Associations' members and the entire Ohio food industry.
Programs include:
- Tuition Reimbursement Program…to date has awarded over $70,000 in tuition reimbursement dollars
- Ohio Food Scrap Recovery Network…partnering with Ohio EPA
- Retail Food Defense Preparedness Guide…developed with a grant from the Ohio Department of Agriculture
- Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Guide…developed with a grant from the Ohio Department of Health
- Composting and Diversion Guide…developed with a grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources
- Environmental Task Force…formed in 2007 to help with the “green” issues in the retail food industry
OGF Mission Statement
The Ohio Grocers Foundation advocates for issues relating to the grocery business, which allows for promotion and enhancement of the food industry and related careers, through education, tuition reimbursement, scholarships, and training and consumer awareness.
2024 Scholarship Winners
Congratulations to our scholarship winners! We are happy to support you in your pursuit of higher education and wish you continued success in your academic endeavors.
- Dodds/Buchanan - $1000: Hailey Lightcap, McMacken’s IGA
- Tom Jackson - $1000: Tiffany Taft, Chief Supermarket
- Gary Crawford - $1000: Kaili Thomas, Remke Markets
- Henry Nemenz Sr. - $1000: Helena Bewsey
- YAGA - $1000: Lauren Runion, Nemenz (Struthers)
- Ohio Grocers Foundation - $1000: Helena Bewsey, Chief Supermarket
Opportunities for Employees and Their Dependents
The Ohio Grocers Association and the Youngstown Area Grocers have established complementary Tuition Reimbursement and Scholarship Programs to provide financial support to those members’ employees and their dependents enrolled in college or continuing education programs. Various scholarship and financial aid opportunities are available to those who qualify.
A Simple Application Process
The Scholarship and Tuition Assistance process has been streamlined to involve only ONE application (and requested support materials). Be sure to thoroughly review the criteria for eligibility and requirements for application. Scholarships will be awarded through a committee selection process to those applicants best-qualified to receive them.
Owners, Managers and Supervisors
The Ohio Grocers Association (through the Ohio Grocers Foundation and Youngstown Area Grocers) continues to offer Company-Funded Scholarships in the form of Piggyback Scholarships, Donor/Sponsored Scholarships and Legacy Scholarships.
In addition, Tuition Reimbursement is also offered as additional financial assistance for those pursuing continuing education, certification or specialized training related to the food or grocery industry.
If your organization is interested in establishing any of these types of Scholarships or learning more about CERP (Continuing Education Reimbursement Program), contact us or click here for more information.