Popcorn for the People, which creates career opportunities for the neurodiverse community, recently celebrated the grand opening of its new factory with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, writes Owen Boyle for Philadelphia Eagles News.

The facility is located in a space that once housed a Wawa store in the heart of Philadelphia’s Headhouse District. The Eagles Autism Foundation joined forces with Wawa to bring this project to life.

“To be able to bring this opportunity to our community, working with the Eagles Autism Foundation, is really something special,” said Philadelphia City Councilman Mark Squilla. “What this has done is given us a chance to grow, but also a model for others.”

The new facility will hire and train 25 employees during the first year of operation. Wawa will provide support for the initiative that will exceed $1.5 million over the next five years.

To increase the number of employment opportunities for individuals, the newly branded Popcorn for the People community vehicle will deliver products to events. To help fund future community grants, $1 from every bag sold will benefit the Eagles Autism Foundation.

Popcorn for the People was established in 2014 by Dr. Steve Bier to provide employment opportunities to his son, who is on the spectrum, and others like him.

Read more about Popcorn for the People and its new facility in Philadelphia Eagles News.

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