LDEI St. Louis Chapter Scholarships
The St. Louis Chapter has conducted fundraising projects and awarded scholarships since our inception in 2008. Collectively, LDEI chapters in the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy have awarded more than $4 million in culinary scholarships to deserving students. Many of our scholarship recipients have gone on to illustrious careers in the food, wine, hospitality, and agriculture industries.
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We are pleased to announce that the Saint Louis Missouri Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International is accepting applications for two scholarships. One scholarship is for $5,000 (a current university/culinary student) and one is for $2,500 (an eligible high school senior planning to attend a university or culinary program). Scholarships will be awarded based on academic accomplishments, career goals, culinary-related experience, professional and personal references, and financial needs. All applications will be reviewed and measured by standardized and weighted criteria.
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You must be female and be a permanent resident in the St. Louis region (150 mile radius), but may reside elsewhere during school terms You must carry a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent
You must be accepted or enrolled in a certificate or degree program and studying a culinary field, dietetics with a culinary component, hospitality, restaurant management or agriculture
You will attend the LDEI-STL Awards Event and volunteer for at least one (1) LDEI-STL fundraising event, as schedule permits.
Applicants will be notified, the date will be determined.
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Completed application must be received by April 20, 2027.
Late applications will not be considered.
Receipt of application will be acknowledged by e-mail
Two letters of career recommendation
Two letters of personal recommendation
Academic transcripts (most current available)
A financial aid form completed by the school’s financial aid office
All scholarship money will go directly to the school or institution in which the recipient is enrolled
Scholarship money will be used for tuition only
Scholarship funds must be used for the Fall semester 2025.
Any change in enrollment status during the scholarship year is to be communicated to LDEI-STL Scholarship Committee by the Scholarship recipient
Application Requirements
Previous Recipients
Sara Chorlins
2026 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
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My name is Sara Chorlins, and I am from St. Louis, currently pursuing my master’s degree in the Coordinated Program in Dietetics at the University of Missouri. I chose dietetics because I am passionate about helping others improve their health and confidence through nutrition while making people feel truly supported and cared for. During my time at Mizzou, I have been involved in a variety of nutrition experiences outside of classes and rotations, including Mizzou Football Performance Nutrition, Tiger Pantry, serving as a teaching assistant, and studying abroad, all of which have strengthened my passion for patient-centered care while helping me develop valuable communication and leadership skills. These experiences continue to shape my goal of becoming a registered dietitian. I am incredibly honored and grateful to receive this scholarship, and I truly appreciate the support as I continue pursuing my goals.
2026 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Whitney Schmidt
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Whitney Schmidt is a Missouri-based food systems professional, MBA student at the University of Missouri, mother of two, and advocate for sustainable regional agriculture. Her earliest exposure to farming came through her family’s grain farm in Callaway County, Missouri, where she developed a lasting curiosity about land stewardship and the relationship between food and community. As a teenager, she spent an extended period in Oaxaca, Mexico, learning about native crops and traditional food systems. Returning home, she began thinking critically about the contrast between localized food cultures and the food system that she grew up with that depended heavily on processed foods that are neither especially fresh or regionally connected. These experiences shaped her interest in strengthening regional food economies and improving access to fresh, nutritious food.
Whitney went on to study Food Science and spent 13 years working in viticulture and winemaking, including research on native grape varieties adapted to Midwestern growing conditions. Today, she works with specialty crop growers and food producers across Missouri through the Missouri Agriculture, Food and Forestry Innovation Center (MAFFIC), helping agricultural businesses with planning and long-term sustainability. She is currently pursuing an MBA focused on investments and economic development with the goal of supporting resilient local food systems where producers are able to retain more of the value they create.
In her free time, she enjoys gardening, ethical foraging, cooking seasonal meals, biking on the MKT, making upcycled art, and spending time outdoors with her children.
2026 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Anna Durfey
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Hello, my name is Anna Durfey. I just graduated from SLU with a Nutrition & Dietetics Degree with a Culinary Concentration, and I am starting my master's in August. I am passionate about the intersection of culinary skills and nutrition-related health outcomes. I have been fortunate to have many experiences in the culinary field, from working at a culinary camp, being trained as a bartender, working as a line cook at a Spanish Tapas restaurant, and competing in a few culinary competitions. I am very grateful for the financial and networking support that Les Dames has given me. Thank you!
Ally Rock
2026 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
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My name is Ally Rock, and I am a dedicated dietetics student from St. Louis with a strong interest in nutrition, health promotion, and evidence-based practice. I havedemonstrated academic excellence and commitment to the field through my coursework and nutrition-related experiences. My goal is to become a registered dietitian and make a positive impact in both community and clinical nutrition settings.
Natalie Grossenheider
2026 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
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Hello, I’m Natalie! I recently graduated from Saint Louis University with a BA in nutrition and dietetics. I plan to return to SLU to pursue my master's and dietetic internship this upcoming school year. My goal is to be a dietitian who helps patients build positive relationships with food despite conditions like diabetes and cancer.
Food is medicine so I want to help others to build the skills and confidence needed to overcome obstacles impacting adequate nutrition. Some career interests are in women’s health, older adults, and oncology.