Coventry students Danielle DeNigris, an employee of Dave's Marketplace and Jennamarie Lopes, an employee of Pepsi Beverages Company, were two of four students awarded $1,000 scholarships at the Rhode Island Food Dealers Association's Annual Meeting and Holiday Gala, held on Dec. 3 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Newport.

Jordan Bessette of Portsmouth, a Clements' Marketplace employee and Alison Shottek of Pawtucket, employed by Stop & Shop, were also honored with scholarships.

The students were required to meet the criteria outlined by the RIFDA including interviews with the scholarship committee. The program has been established as a form of economic support and a value-added benefit to members and their employees.

The funding for the scholarship program is raised annually as part of the RIFDA Charitable Golf Tournament and was further supported this year by Tourtellot & Co., who developed and coordinated the RIFDA Apple a Day Scholarship Program. The retail program was also strongly supported by five RIFDA members, Eastside Marketplace, Clements' Marketplace, Shore's Market, Ruggieri's Market and Dino’s Park n’ Shop.

In addition to the scholarship a sizable donation from the RIFDA Annual Charitable Golf Tournament will also be made the RI Community Food Bank.