More than 80 Companies and Individuals Contributed to CGAEF to Reach This Milestone
SACRAMENTO, CA (April 2026) – The CGA Educational Foundation (CGAEF) has reached an exciting new landmark, receiving commitments for $1 million in available funds for college scholarships and industry development for the 2026-27 academic year.
By late March, the Foundation had raised $978k through its regular channels, consisting of donations from individuals and company partners, but was still $22k away from fulfilling its goal. Seeing that this milestone was close within reach, CEO of OK Produce Brady Matoian called on his fellow CGA Board Directors to work together to close the gap, committing his company to match donations to help CGAEF reach the $1 million landmark.
“It’s no surprise that this industry has once again gone above and beyond to take care of its community. The outstanding show of generosity demonstrated by our industry donors will enrich the next generation of grocery leaders for years to come,” said Chair of the CGAEF Board of Trustees Adam Salgado, Heritage Grocers Giving Foundation.
The CGA Educational Foundation, which has offered industry scholarships since the program’s inception in 1998, began partnering with CGA member companies to fund scholarship opportunities in 2000. Engagement and donations from member companies has grown the Foundation into what it is today: a source of growth, education, and professional development for the grocery industry.
“Seeing competitors come together for the benefit and betterment of its workforce is awe-inspiring. On behalf of the CGAEF Board of Trustees, we are deeply grateful to our donors that are helping make dreams come true and securing the bright future of the grocery industry,” said CGA President and CEO, CGAEF President Ron Fong.
In 2024, CGAEF mounted another significant milestone, awarding $10 million in college scholarships to grocery industry employees and their dependents for nearly 30 years. To date, the Foundation has awarded 6,985 scholarships, totaling more than $11.4 million.
“I am humbled by all of those who have contributed to help the Educational Foundation reach this milestone to award $1 million this academic year, from generous industry veterans to altruistic company partners. It is an incredible testament to the collaboration and generosity this industry is known for,” said CGAEF Senior Director Brianne Page.
CGAEF scholarships are open to high school seniors, college undergraduate and graduate students who are employees of, or the dependent sons or daughters of employees of, a CGA member company. For more information on the CGAEF scholarship program, click here.
Thank you to our generous donors:
- Adam Salgado
- Albertsons, LLC
- Anheuser-Busch
- Anthony Escobar
- Baker Tilly
- Bertha Luna
- Big Saver Foods, Inc.
- Brad Thomas
- Brady Matoian
- Bristol Farms
- C&S Wholesale Grocers
- Casey Scharteg
- Certified Federal Credit Union
- Chang So
- Chris Dehoff
- Dale Stern
- Dave & Julie Hirz
- Dennis & the late Ruth Darling
- Dennis J. Belcastro
- Donna Tyndall & Mike Ketcham
- Elaina Budge
- Eric Pearlman
- Gelson’s Markets
- George & Debbi Frahm
- Heritage Grocers Group/Cardenas Markets
- Illuminators Educational Foundation
- Instacart
- Jeremy Cullifer
- Jim & Judy Van Gorkom
- Joe & Dolly Falvey
- Jon Giannini
- Judy & the late Bernard Briskin
- Kellanova
- Kendra & John Doyel
- Kevin Young
- Kimberly Clark Corp.
- Kristen Sherwood
- Mar-Val Food Stores
- Matthew Dodson & Erin Johnson
- Michel LeClerc
- Mike & Renee Stigers
- Mike & Sharon Stone
- Mike Molinar
- Nancy Negrette
- Nick Malm
- Nick Sass
- North State Grocery, Inc.
- Nutricion Fundamental, Inc.
- OK Produce
- Oliver’s Market
- PAQ Inc. dba Food 4 Less & Rancho San Miguel Markets
- PepsiCo Beverages North America
- Pete & Tanya Van Helden
- Peter & Jody Larkin
- Post Consumer Brands
- Ralphs/Food 4 Less
- RMS, Inc.
- Rob & Leah McDougall
- Ron Fong
- Ryan & Julie Adams
- Safeway Northern California Division
- Seaside Market Inc.
- Sergio Gonzalez
- Smart & Final Stores
- Stater Bros. Markets
- Steve Brancamp
- Subriana Pierce
- Super A Foods, Inc.
- Super King Markets
- Superior Foundation
- The Hershey Company
- the late Ellyn Gelson
- The Save Mart Companies
- the Villanueva Family
- Treasury Wine Estates
- Tyler & Kara Kidd Family
- UNFI
- Vallarta Supermarkets
- Whole Foods Market
- Willie & Mary Crocker
- WK Kellogg Co.
- Young’s Payless Market IGA