April 4, 2011 - In an effort to support local area high school seniors in their pursuit of higher education in the food service and hospitality industries, the Taste of Buffalo presented by TOPS is now accepting applications for its annual scholarships. Up to five scholarship winners will each receive $1,000 to be applied toward their college education.

To be eligible, students must be residents of Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Wyoming, Genesee, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus or Allegany counties and enrolling in a foodservice or hospitality curriculum at an accredited two or four year school this coming fall. The scholarship winners will be selected on the basis of academic achievement, experience, recommendations, community involvement, goal objectives and overall interest in the industry. For additional information and to download an application, click here. The completed application, current transcript and report card and letters of recommendation must be received by May 18, 2011.

Since the scholarship fund began in 1997, more than $50,000 has been awarded to help Western New York students attending a two or four year school in the fall.

The Taste of Buffalo presented by TOPS is the nation's largest two-day food festival, attracting more than 450,000 people during its two-day run in downtown Buffalo. The 2011 Taste is set for July 9 and 10 along Delaware Avenue and Niagara Square in downtown Buffalo. For further information, please visit www.tasteofbuffalo.com.