French’s supports local communities through university scholarships, grant programs

Feb. 17, 2017 – This week, the French’s Food Company announced it is working to support local communities and educational institutions through The French’s Promise through several scholarships and grant programs.

“We are delighted to expand our support of The French’s Promise in Canada,” says Elliott Penner, president of French’s food division. “Our support of our community, through investment in Universities, farmers and our food banks is a very important part of our overall vision and mission. As we continue to grow our business in Canada, we also continue to grow our support for important community alliances.”

The scholarships and grant programs include:

• University of Guelph scholarships – French’s provided scholarships to Emma Anger and Travis Caughell, two university students majoring in agricultural production and processing. Each received $2,500 and this program will continue in 2017.

• University of Guelph grant aid program – French’s provided a $5,000 grant to the University of Guelph in support of a research project for the processing tomato breeding program at the Ridgetown Campus directed and supervised by recipient Steve Loewen.

• University of Saskatchewan scholarships – Beginning in 2017, French’s will provide two scholarships to university students majoring in agricultural production and processing of $2,500 each.

• University of Saskatchewan research grant – French’s donated $5,000 to the University of Saskatchewan to support the work of Dr. Bifang Cheng, the foremost researcher on the study of mustard plant breeding.

• Food Banks Canada – French’s investment in the Food Banks of Canada will exceed $750,000 in 2017 through cause marketing efforts and includes the funding of up to 40 scholarships for the Food Banks National Conference, which will enable volunteers across the country attend the conference being held in Calgary. This conference brings together thought leaders and volunteers on the ground to discuss ideas around tackling hunger across Canada.

• The Brian Fernandez Education Fund – French’s wanted to find a way to say thank you to the man who became a social media sensation after sharing his support and commitment to the farmers of Leamington. As a way to applaud Brian for his efforts in the community, French’s will offer the Fernandez children financial assistance with their post-secondary education if they choose to continue their education.