2009 STOP Hunger Scholarships

As economic hard times shrink college savings accounts for many Americans, the Sodexo Foundation has increased the amount of its STOP Hunger Scholarships to $5,000. The Foundation will begin accepting applications on January 1, 2009.

Up to five students will each receive a $5,000 scholarship award and a matching $5,000 grant in their name, for the hunger-related charity of their choice. The scholarships will be presented on June 4, 2009 at the Sodexo Foundation Dinner in Washington, D.C. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in an accredited education institution (kindergarten through graduate school) in the United States and be able to demonstrate an on going commitment to hunger-relief activities in their community. In addition, up to 20 regional honorees will receive a $1,000 grant in their name, for the hunger-related charity of their choice.

“With a 17 percent increase in the number of Americans relying on food stamps, it’s more important than ever that the entire population comes together to help,” said Stephen J. Brady, president of the Sodexo Foundation. “It’s not enough just to feed people,” he added. “We have to stop the cycle of hunger and poverty. The STOP Hunger Scholarship program was designed to recognize young Americans who are committed to improving their communities in the area of hunger, and also to encourage this next generation to become activists in the fight against hunger.”

The Sodexo Foundation created the STOP Hunger Scholarships in 2007 to recognize and reward the great things young people are doing to fight hunger in communities across the country. To date ten national and 19 regional honorees have been named.

The deadline for applications is February 27, 2009. For a complete description of the program or an online application visit www.SodexoFoundation.org .