A record-­setting $334,000 awarded in 2014

DINUBA, CA (January, 2015) --  In the past five years, Ruiz 4 Kids has awarded over one million dollars in scholarships to hundreds of high school seniors committed to furthering their education.

Last year, the charitable organization awarded a total of $334,000 to 245 students. $45,000 of the scholarships focused on students in the Texoma area in 2014 bring the total to $178,000 for the past five years.

This year, in addition to accepting applications from high school seniors planning to attend a four-­year college or university, Ruiz 4 Kids is also accepting scholarship applications from high school seniors who plan to attend a two-year college or vocational institution.

"One of the greatest thrills is learning how a scholarship recipient's life has been impacted by the award," explained Ron Woods, Ruiz 4 Kids President. Ruiz 4 Kids serves as the nonprofit branch of Ruiz Foods, where Woods is the Transportation Manager. "Whether they've graduated from a university and became a doctor, or attended a trade school and opened their own business, we understand the importance education has in improving not only the quality of life of individuals, but also the quality of life within our communities."

According to Woods, Ruiz 4 Kids receives over 600 scholarship applications each year and review teams comprised of a couple dozen Ruiz Foods team members volunteer to make group selections.

Applicants must be located within a 50-mile radius of where Ruiz Foods has a presence -- Dinuba, California, and Denison, Texas.

Also, beginning this year with the addition of a plant in Florence, South Carolina, applications will be accepted from high school seniors within Florence city limits.

"It has become evident to those of us involved in the review and selection process, that sometimes it isn't about the actual monetary award," adds Woods. "For many of these students, it is the knowledge that those involved in Ruiz 4 Kids and Ruiz Foods believe in them and their ability to accomplish great achievements."

In addition to the financial and emotional boost the award brings, Woods quipped the recipients also receive over $100 in coupons for free product from Ruiz Foods which includes their El Monterey brand burritos, taquitos and tamales.

"Some recipients get just as excited about the food as they do the award," he added. "Ruiz 4 Kids' mission is to provide opportunities to inspire hope and change in children's lives. We
truly believe our Scholarship Program does just that."

Applicants must have a 2.5 GPA or above to apply if they plan on attending a two-year college or vocational institution. Those who will be attending a four-year college or university must have a GPA of 3.0 or more.

To learn more about the Ruiz 4 Kids Scholarship Program and access the guidelines and application, visit: http://www.ruiz4kids.org/programs-scholarships.aspx

The deadline for submission is March 6, 2015. Ruiz 4 Kids raises the monies for the Scholarship Program via an annual golf tournament -- the Ruiz Invitational.

Scheduled for April 28, 2015 at the Valley Oaks Golf Course in
Visalia, California, the event attracts a wide variety of vendors and suppliers to Ruiz Foods, drawing over 240 of their representative golfers from across the country.

About Ruiz Foods Products, Inc.

Ruiz Foods is a privately owned corporation with corporate offices in Dinuba, California.

Third generation Kim Ruiz Beck, the elder daughter, is Chairman. Her father, Fred Ruiz, is Co-Founder and Chairman Emeritus. Rachel Cullen is President and CEO.

Ruiz Foods is dedicated to premium quality, authentically prepared frozen foods selling to all channels of distribution: retail, convenience store, clubs, vending, industrial and foodservice.

The El Monterey brand is the market leader within the frozen Mexican food category and the No 1. brand of frozen Mexican food in the U.S. The Tornados brand, introduced just ten years ago, is the No. 1 roller grill product sold in convenience stores.

Ruiz Foods employs over 2,400 Team Members with four manufacturing facilities located in the United States.