Initiative removes systemic barriers to employment, and gives those with a desire to work the opportunity and resources needed to flourish
Florence, NJ – March 23, 2022 – Bonduelle is excited to announce the introduction of a new inclusive hiring model in its Florence, N.J. facility, promoting diversity and inclusion in their workforce by removing structural barriers to employment. The new model will launch with an on-site hiring event at 700 Railroad Ave. in Florence on March 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The inclusive hiring approach moves away from traditional hiring and employee screening processes to give anyone seeking employment the opportunity and support they need to flourish at Bonduelle. This model enables those who experience life challenges, such as homelessness or past drug dependency, to join the Bonduelle team, and provides all employees with personalized resource support to manage through these challenges.
“The inclusive hiring model directly supports the Bonduelle mission to make a positive impact on people and the planet,” says Andrea G. Montagna, CEO of Bonduelle Fresh Americas, the U.S.-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Bonduelle which operates the Florence facility. “This initiative will open the doors to new talent and perspectives that will ultimately improve the collective efforts of the company.”
Candidates can now apply without resumes, interviews, background checks or drug screens. The only requirement for application is to provide the information needed to properly complete Form I-9 Employee Eligibility Verification such as a driver’s license or identification card issued by a state or outlying territory of the U.S., provided it contains a photograph or information such as name, date of birth, gender, height, eye color and address.
“We consider this approach a win-win because it expands our recruiting pipeline and, most importantly, can have a positive impact on people’s lives by reducing barriers to employment,” adds Chief Human Resources Officer Katie Lopez. “It also has enabled us to focus our efforts on training and support to ensure all Associates can succeed.”
The initiative is based on the model created by the Greyston Foundation after the proven success of its Open Hiring framework. Bonduelle will also offer work/life services including access to social workers and community services, individual case management for employees and one-on-one coaching.
“Open Hiring welcomes people into the workforce with zero judgment. It’s a proven hiring solution that also addresses major socio-economic disparities, particularly in communities with a high percentage of individuals who face significant barriers to employment,” says Dr. Penny Jennings, Greyston’s Vice President of Strategic Programs and Partnerships. “We are proud to partner with Bonduelle as they adopt an Open Hiring model at their facility and help build a thriving local community in Florence.”
As part of this launch, Bonduelle is teaming with local service organizations, such as the Mid-Atlantic States Career & Education Center, to create a direct link to those most in need in the community seeking work.
“For those in our community who are facing these very difficult situations, a long-term job means a huge step forward in creating a stable life situation,” says Ashley Williams, program specialist for MASCEC. “I’m pleased to refer our clients to Bonduelle because the company is offering jobs and the resources to help them thrive.”
Bonduelle first implemented its inclusive hiring model in its Rochester, NY facility in August 2021. The company has plans to launch the program in more facilities in the U.S. later in 2022.
ABOUT BONDUELLE FRESH AMERICAS
Bonduelle Fresh Americas is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bonduelle (BON.PA). With four processing facilities throughout the U.S., we focus on fresh vegetables, salads and fresh meal solutions for the Americas. Acquired by Bonduelle in 2017 as Ready Pac Foods and one of five business units in the Bonduelle Group, our team prepares a complete range of products featuring fresh produce and protein
under the company’s Ready Pac Bistro® brand. Our offerings include fresh-cut salads, fresh-cut vegetables, snacking and fresh prepared meals available where consumers buy groceries and in
restaurant chains across North America. Visit Bonduelle Fresh Americas or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
ABOUT BONDUELLE GROUP
For Bonduelle Group, inspiring the transition toward a plant-based diet to contribute to people’s well-being and planet health means being an agro-industrial player with a positive impact on its ecosystem. We are a French family-owned company with 14,700 employees and we have been innovating with our farming partners since 1853. Our ready-to-use plant-based food products are grown on 306,000 acres and marketed in nearly 100 countries, with revenues of $3.1 billion. Our six brands are: Bonduelle®, Cassegrain®, Globus®, Del Monte®, Ready Pac Bistro® and Arctic Gardens®. Visit www.bonduelle.com/en for more.
Contact:
BONDUELLE FRESH AMERICAS
(626) 678-2222
BROOKE MAHER
(708) 752-2442
