Austin has earned a reputation as one of the country’s premier food destinations, but behind every memorable meal is a community of chefs, sommeliers, brewers, hospitality professionals, and culinary creatives. The Austin Wine & Food Foundation is working to ensure that community continues to thrive. Executive Director Sarah Weeks joined We Are Austin to share how the nonprofit is investing in the future of Austin’s hospitality industry through educational scholarships and grants that support local organizations fighting food insecurity.
Sarah Weeks, executive director of the Austin Wine & Food Foundation, is highlighting the foundation’s hospitality scholarship and its broader work supporting the local food community.
Supporting the Next Generation of Hospitality Professionals
While many people know the Austin Wine & Food Foundation for its signature events, including the Austin Wine Auction, Weeks says those gatherings serve a much larger purpose.
“The events are really the vehicle we use to raise funds for our philanthropic goals,” Weeks said.
This year, the foundation is offering $40,000 in hospitality scholarships to help industry professionals further their education.
The scholarships are open to anyone working in hospitality, whether they’re pursuing culinary school, wine education, brewing, whiskey studies or other hospitality-related training.
“As long as it’s an educational program, it’s eligible,” Weeks said. “There really are no limitations as long as it’s education and supporting them in hospitality.”
Applicants can be newcomers to the industry or seasoned professionals looking to continue growing their careers.
Austin Wine & Food Foundation toasts hospitality pros with scholarships to fund dreams
Investing in Austin’s Culinary Future
Weeks says supporting education is essential to maintaining Austin’s status as a culinary destination.
“If we want this city to continue to be the culinary standout that it is, we have to invest in the people that are going to be the future of that industry,” she said.
The scholarships help strengthen every corner of the hospitality community—from chefs and bartenders to hotel professionals, brewers and sommeliers.
Austin Wine & Food Foundation toasts hospitality pros with scholarships to fund dreams
Fighting Food Insecurity Across Central Texas
In addition to scholarships, the Austin Wine & Food Foundation is awarding $75,000 this year to six nonprofit organizations working to combat food insecurity across Central Texas.
Recipients include:
Sustainable Food CenterCaritas of AustinGood Work AustinKeep Austin FedGreen Corn ProjectSunday Lunchbox
Weeks says each organization addresses food insecurity in a different way, from community gardens and farmers markets to meal programs and food recovery efforts.
“We all love going out and eating and drinking,” she said. “It’s hard to think that there are people in Texas who don’t have enough to eat.”
Celebrating 40 Years
The foundation is also celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Austin Wine Auction this November, one of roughly 50 fundraising events it hosts each year.
Those events, including wine dinners, tastings, and Big Reds & Bubbles, help generate the funds that make both the scholarship and grant programs possible.
How to Apply
Hospitality professionals interested in applying for a scholarship can complete a simple application through the Austin Wine & Food Foundation website.
Applications are open through August 8.
Those interested in supporting the foundation’s mission can also attend one of its events or become a member.
For more information about scholarships, events and community giving, visit WineFoodFoundation.org.
Austin Wine & Food Foundation toasts hospitality pros with scholarships to fund dreams