The Stephen J. Brady Stop Hunger Scholarship program recognizes student innovation and youth-led solutions to fight hunger in America. These young people are creating awareness and mobilizing peers in their communities to be catalysts for change. The scholarship awardees comprise a wide variety of students, ages 5 to 25, who are recognized at the national and regional level and hail from across the country. Since the program’s inception in 2007, Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation has awarded over $1M in grants and scholarships.
Stephen J. Brady Stop Hunger Scholarship Applications Open Sept.5 - Nov. 5, 2024
Additional Information and Promotional Resources
The Scholar Budget Podcast: Fight Hunger with the Stephen J. Brady Scholarship
Stephen J. Brady Scholarship Official Rules
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Stephen J. Brady Scholarship 8.5"x11" Flyer Spanish
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Learn more about the 2024 Stop Hunger Stephen J. Brady Scholars by reading their bios below or watching their videos highlights here.
William Cabaniss, Vanilla Feeds Tomorrow, Rising College Freshman, Farragut, TN
William Cabaniss has made a remarkable impact in the fight against hunger through his nonprofit, Vanilla Feeds Tomorrow. Inspired by his childhood experiences witnessing classmates facing food insecurity, William took action during the pandemic by founding his nonprofit which produces and sells homemade vanilla extract, donating all proceeds to Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee. Over the past three and a half years, William's relentless efforts have united over 100 volunteers and raised more than $210,00, providing nearly 632,000 meals to those in need. Despite facing initial challenges in launching the nonprofit, William's determination and leadership skills have led to its success. He believes in collaborating with established organizations like Second Harvest to maximize impact and sustainability in fighting hunger. William's selfless dedication has not only made a tangible difference in his community but also serves as a source of inspiration for others to address social issues with innovation and compassion.
Claire Chi, Dancing Against Hunger, Rising College Freshman, State College, PA
Claire Chi is a passionate advocate for combating childhood hunger through innovative approaches. As the founder and director of Dancing Against Hunger, Claire utilizes dance education as a tool for social empowerment and community engagement. Her leadership has led to over 2,600 donations and $3,300 raised to fight hunger, impacting over 1,300 participants and 40 community partners. Claire's dedication extends beyond local initiatives; as a Student Advocate for the School Nutrition Association of Pennsylvania, she champions legislative efforts to provide free school meals to over 1.8 million students. Her advocacy work extends to the national level, where she collaborates with policymakers and corporate partners to address food insecurity. Claire's commitment to youth leadership and community service has earned her recognition, including being the youngest TEDxPSU speaker in history. Through her tireless efforts, Claire is shaping a future where no child goes hungry, inspiring others to join the fight against food insecurity.
Brian Garrabrant, Brian’s Bagels, Rising College Freshman Margate, NJ
Brian Garrabrant is a dedicated advocate for ending hunger and food waste in his community. Recognizing the surplus of unsold bagels at his job, Brian took action to repurpose them for those in need. Through his initiative, Brian's Bagels, he has donated over 100,000 bagels to more than 12 organizations, including food pantries, shelters, and community centers across Southern New Jersey and Delaware. Brian's leadership extends beyond bagel redistribution; as the primary leader of Post Crashers, a service-learning club with over 500 students, he has organized numerous initiatives to combat poverty, address food insecurity, and support veterans. Under his guidance, Post Crashers has provided thousands of meals, renovated community spaces, and cultivated gardens to feed the food insecure. Brian's unwavering commitment to service and his innovative approach to addressing social issues make him a true catalyst for change in his community and beyond.
Miller Manguno, Operation Orange Haven, Rising College Junior, Germantown, TN
In 2019, Miller Manguno founded Operation: Orange Haven after discovering food insecurity in his home state of Tennessee. Initially starting as a one-time food drive, Operation: Orange Haven has evolved into a sustained effort to combat hunger in partnership with Mosaic Memphis and Orange Mound Outreach Ministries. Despite being away at college, Miller remains dedicated to securing weekly food donations and organizing initiatives such as Thanksgiving Food Boxes and Summer Cereal Drives. His commitment extends beyond Tennessee; he also supports CoHope through fundraising events like Baylor's Chili Cook Off-Bed Races. Miller's leadership and passion for service have made a significant impact, providing over 15,000 meals and $140,000 worth of food donations over the past 3.5 years. His efforts exemplify a profound dedication to addressing food insecurity and promoting healthy living in underserved communities.
Chris “CJ” Matthews, The Giving Bowl, Rising High School Junior, McDonough, GA
CJ Matthews is the visionary behind The Giving Bowl, a charitable initiative aimed at tackling hunger in his community. At just ten years old, CJ founded The Giving Bowl, driven by his love for football and a desire to make a difference. With support from his mother, he wrote grants, recruited friends, and organized annual events to provide food and comfort to families in need. Over the past seven years, The Giving Bowl has evolved, serving over 4,500 families and distributing more than 25,000 pounds of food. CJ’s dedication extends beyond The Giving Bowl; he initiated projects like Giving To Seniors, addressing senior hunger, and the Good Back-to-School Kickoff, supplying school supplies and food for children. By involving youth volunteers and fostering community engagement, CJ’s efforts have made a profound impact on thousands of lives, promoting volunteerism, healthy living, and generosity. His commitment to fighting hunger has expanded over the years, addressing how food insecurity impacts different communities in unique ways.
The Foundation also awarded six $1,000 hunger-fighting grants to students receiving the Stephen J. Brady Stop Hunger Emerging Leaders designation:
- Adam Belouad, Hand to Hunger; Rising High School Senior, Falls Church City, VA
- Sahasra Boggarapu, Tutor Tots; Rising High School Senior, Richmond, VA
- Landon Bruski, The County Corner; Rising College Freshman, Huntsville, AL
- Rebecca Friedman, Cakes For Caring; Rising College Freshman, Golden Beach, FL
- Barrett Gallo, Kneading to Help; Rising College Freshman, Providence, RI
- Samantha Sandhaus, Feeding Philly; Rising College Freshman, Philadelphia, PA