Student Spotlight: Jake Toben, 2026 US Foods Scholar

The US Foods Scholars program was established in 2017 to provide financial support and professional development to students pursuing careers in the culinary arts, restaurant and hospitality industries. The program aims to inspire the next generation of culinary talent to reach their potential and helps address the talent shortage facing the foodservice industry.

“It’s an honor to empower the next generation of culinary talent with the resources they need to pursue their career goals,” said Sara Matheu, Vice President of Corporate Communications at US Foods. “Beyond helping these 20 outstanding students reach their full potential, the US Foods Scholars program aims to support the culinary talent pipeline across our growing industry. We look forward to celebrating the scholars’ accomplishments as they move through their education and professional journeys and watching the positive impact they will make.”

Working with Scholarship America, US Foods has awarded over $2.8 million in scholarships to over 140 students since the program launched. In 2026, 20 students received $20,000 scholarship awards—including Jake Toben, a Sioux Falls, South Dakota native attending Mitchell Technical College in his home state.

Jake is in his second year of culinary arts study, and when his instructors, Chef Tim Goldammer & Chef Josh Kranz, told him about the US Foods Scholarship opportunity, he jumped at the chance. Thanks to this award, the remainder of Jake’s tuition will be covered, giving him a debt-free start on his food dreams. We spoke with Jake to learn more about his background and plans for the future.

What inspired you to pursue a degree in the culinary field?

I grew up surrounded by food. My whole life, I have been taught food connects people, especially when it’s shared with loved ones. My mother came from the Philippines and often cooks Filipino foods.  I loved the variety of techniques and flavors when it comes to Filipino meals. We have a little saying—“rice is life”— because of how much rice is eaten in our family.

Funny enough, I never really joined in helping her cook, but I was inspired by my mother’s cooking and from the love of eating from all different flavors, cultures, and cuisines.

What cooking styles, techniques or cuisines are you passionate about?

I like to mix Filipino and American foods together to create beautiful dishes. I am very proud of my Filipino background and love to learn and cook more from my culture. One technique I want to try more is cooking with banana leaves.

What stresses does this scholarship relieve? Are you able to pursue opportunities or outside activities you couldn’t before?

One of the things the scholarship took care of was my tuition for school: it will pay for the rest that I owe.

And it means that the work I put in for school and my future career is paying off. Since I was noticed and honored with this scholarship,  I can continue my education knowing that others are rooting for me.

In fact, one activity that I have never done is a Q&A such as this. I am typically a shy person and try not to be in the spotlight, but I am growing and working on becoming a more outgoing person.

What’s your ideal next career step after graduating? How about in five years?

My next step is to find a restaurant I like, to gain experience and hone my skills. After five years I hope to own and run a food truck to cook and share Filipino-American cuisine. I like the idea of having a food truck to move around locations.

If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

I would tell my younger self to live life day by day and stay true to yourself. I grew up with people telling me to change my ways or I wouldn’t succeed. While my life has changed and some of my habits have too, I think deep down I am still the same boy as 10 years ago.  While life has its ups and downs, I find joy in having a mystery to your future.

Is there anything you’d like to add?

I want to thank US Foods for honoring me with the scholarship and all the opportunities becoming a US Foods Scholar can bring!