Established in 1921, the Western Association of Food Chains is a non-profit organization comprised of retailers and wholesalers in the 14 Western States representing over 7,500 supermarkets and over 255 billion dollars in annual sales. The WAFC’s primary mission is education, which is made possible with scholarship donations from industry suppliers and individuals, as well as, staging an annual convention each spring.
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” – Benjamin Franklin
Education
WAFC Initiated
• USC Food Industry Management Program – established 1958
• USC Food Industry Executive Program – established 1974
• Community College “Retail Management Certificate Program” – established 2000
WAFC University Partners
• UMass Global
• Western Governors University
• Grand Canyon University
• Cal Poly Humboldt
Benefits to Professors In Residence
$45,000 Annually, 100% Tax Deductible
- WAFC/USC grant of full tuition plus priority status for up to three high potential employees to the USC FIMP (2026 Tuition $36,630 each)
- 20 % discount for all employees to any USC Executive Program including the Food Industry Executive Program (2026 $959 savings ~ $3,836 vs. $4,795)
- Company Banner Logo displayed in first position banner on WAFC website, annual convention promotion video, convention program & convention signage
- Recognition at all WAFC Board meetings, USC FIMP Graduation and Annual Convention
- WAFC certificate & $200 honorarium for all graduates of the Community College “Retail Management Certificate Program”
- Top Priority for Retailer/Vendor Pre-Scheduled Business meetings at the annual convention
- Milestone recognition during General Sessions at each five year increment
- Opportunity to host or co-host a Hospitality Event or other activity at the convention
Benefits to Scholarship Donors
$15,000 Annually, 100% Tax Deductible
- WAFC/USC grant of full tuition of high potential employee to USC FIMP (2026 Tuition $36,630 each)
- 20 % discount for all employees to any USC Executive Program including the Food Industry Executive Program (2026 $959 savings ~ $3,836 vs. $4,795)
- Company Logo on WAFC website, convention program & signage
- Recognition at all WAFC Board meetings, USC FIMP Graduation and Annual Convention
- WAFC certificate & $200 honorarium for all graduates of the Community College “Retail Management Certificate Program”
- Priority for Annual Convention Retailer/Vendor Pre-Scheduled Business meetings at the convention
- Milestone recognition during General Sessions at each five year increment
- Opportunity to host or co-host a Hospitality Event or other activity at the convention
Benefits to Contributors
$5,000 Annually, 100% Tax Deductible
- 20 % discount for all employees to any USC Executive Program including the Food Industry Executive Program (2026 $959 savings ~ $3,836 vs. $4,795)
- Company Logo on WAFC website, annual convention promotion video, convention program & convention signage
- Recognition at all WAFC Board meetings, USC FIMP Graduation and Annual Convention
- WAFC certificate & $200 honorarium for all graduates of the Community College “Retail Management Certificate Program”
- Priority for Retailer/Vendor Pre-Scheduled Business meetings at the annual convention
- Opportunity to host or co-host a Hospitality Event or other activity at the convention
Become a WAFC Donor
The vision and generosity of the companies and individuals who donate annually to the WAFC Education Fund has provided advanced education to industry employees for over 60 years.