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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/popcornforthepeople/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/popcorn-for-the-people
Why is neurodiversity important to you or your organization?
Neurodiversity is the cornerstone of Popcorn for the People’s mission as we were founded specifically to create meaningful employment opportunities for autistic adults and individuals with developmental disabilities. Our neurodiverse team members bring exceptional focus, pattern recognition, and quality control abilities that directly enhance our gourmet popcorn production and business operations. We’ve witnessed how different neurological perspectives drive innovation in our processes while proving that inclusive workplaces create stronger, more adaptable organizations. By embracing neurodiversity, we demonstrate that employment should be accessible to everyone regardless of neurological differences, while showing other businesses the tremendous value these individuals bring to the workforce. Neurodiversity matters to us because we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to contribute their unique talents—and when they do, our products, company culture, and society all benefit.
What services, resources, or initiatives does your organization provide to support neurodivergent employment? (org only)
Popcorn for the People offers meaningful employment opportunities specifically designed for autistic adults and individuals with developmental disabilities through our gourmet popcorn production business. We create neurodiverse-friendly workplaces featuring structured tasks with clear visual instructions, consistent routines, and adaptable environments with sensory accommodations to support our employees’ unique needs. Our management team is trained in effective communication strategies for neurodivergent individuals, and we practice job customization based on each employee’s strengths and abilities. We actively partner with disability employment agencies, schools, and community organizations to connect with neurodivergent talent while advocating for inclusive hiring practices across the food industry and beyond.
What is the best part of your work in neuroinclusive employment advocacy?
The most rewarding aspect of our neuroinclusive employment work at Popcorn for the People is witnessing the profound transformation in our employees as they develop confidence, independence, and pride through meaningful employment opportunities. Seeing team members who previously faced significant employment barriers thrive in our workplace environment validates our mission and demonstrates the untapped potential within the neurodivergent community. Our advocacy extends beyond our walls as we inspire other businesses to adopt inclusive hiring practices, creating a ripple effect that expands employment opportunities across communities.
What inspired your advocacy work, and what impact do you hope to make?
Popcorn for the People was inspired by our founder’s personal experience as a parent of an autistic child approaching adulthood with limited employment prospects, recognizing the widespread unemployment crisis facing this community. We aim to create a sustainable business model that provides dignified, meaningful employment while demonstrating to other businesses that inclusive hiring isn’t just socially responsible—it’s good business practice. Our ultimate goal is to help reduce the unemployment rate for neurodivergent individuals by expanding our own operations and inspiring widespread adoption of inclusive employment practices across industries.
What is your call to action for other organizations to advance neuroinclusive employment opportunities? Please select your top 2.
Hiring neurodivergent talent, Provide neuroinclusive benefits and supports to your employees/members.
What neuroinclusive employment stereotype or myth would you like to “bust”?
The most damaging myth we’re determined to bust is that hiring neurodivergent individuals requires excessive accommodations or reduces workplace productivity. Our experience at Popcorn for the People consistently proves the opposite—our neurodivergent team members often demonstrate exceptional focus, attention to detail, and loyalty while bringing unique perspectives that enhance our operations. Simple, low-cost workplace adaptations yield tremendous returns in employee performance and retention, making neuroinclusive hiring not just socially responsible but a smart business decision that strengthens our company culture and bottom line.
What else would you like to share?
Popcorn comes in five delicious flavors – Kettle, Butter, Cheddar, Caramel and Dark Chocolate Espresso. All flavors are gluten free, nut free and kosher. Vegan options available.
You can order bags on our website, www.popcornforthepeople.com and we ship nationwide. We also offer wholesale cases, special event cups (for local delivery) and bulk bags. Popcorn makes a great addition to corporate events. Our product is also available at local retailers, including Wawa and Wegmans, and you can find us at farmer’s markets, corporate events and at our sales kiosk in Lincoln Financial Field during events and Eagles games!
Every purchase supports our mission and meaningful employment.