The Tennessee Grocers Education Foundation (TGEF) was founded in 1985 to support and promote education of students in the food industry in Tennessee. It helps deserving students, assists parents with college expenses and colleges benefit by receiving scholarship funds. TGEF is a 501 (c)(3), a non-profit, tax-exempt organization which supports and provides educational opportunities for the food industry. Throughout their generosity, TGEF offers scholarships to applicable students.
TGEF scholarships are open to high school seniors, college undergraduate, and graduate students who are employees or the dependents of employees of a TGCSA member company. Student employees must have been employed for at least six months, and parent employees must have been employed for at least two years as of January 1, 2020. A TGCSA member company must still employ the employee during the time the winners are selected in April. By completing one application, students are evaluated for all scholarships in which they are eligible.