PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A shuttered Wawa store at 9th and South streets is being given new life … but instead of hoagies and Sizzlis, workers will be making and shipping popcorn for a good cause. And some of it will be available at Eagles games this year.
The Eagles Autism Foundation, Wawa and Delco-based chemical company Nouryon have partnered with Popcorn for the People to help shrink the gap of unemployment in the disabled community. The New Jersey-based nonprofit employs about 70 adults with autism to make, ship and sell popcorn for charity.
"This workforce really brings a unique skillset,” explained Mark Katz, board chairman for Popcorn for the People.
"It's a matter of employers making certain accommodations and realizing that you know this is a group of people who can bring value-added skills to their company and contribute in a meaningful way.”
According to Popcorn for the People’s website, in 2022, 82% of disabled people were unemployed. They say that, even for those who did have a job, there were little to no accommodations for them in the workplace.
For reasons like that, the company strives to provide job opportunities like equal wages and career advancement.
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"It's incredible and humbling just seeing these people grow," Katz said.
"Some of them come into work on day one shy, not confident, lacking skill and then you see them months and a year later and it's life-changing, both for them and for their families."
And this football season, the popcorn made and packaged at the former Wawa location will be available for purchase at a concession stand inside Lincoln Financial Field.
Eagles fans can buy popcorn flavors like butter, kettle and dark chocolate espresso. They say $1 from every sale goes to the Eagles Autism Fund, and the rest goes to Popcorn for the People.
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