POPCORN FOR THE PEOPLE
What started out as a popcorn purchase at a college football game became a partnership to help spread awareness around autism. In 2019, the Eagles Autism Foundation, Aramark, and Popcorn for the People embarked on a venture to help achieve Popcorn for the People’s mission of employing and training adults with autism to create, cook, package, and sell uniquely flavored gourmet popcorn, combating the statistic that eight out of ten adults diagnosed with autism are unemployed. Popcorn for the People sold product at Eagles home games in 2019 and ‘20, fostering meaningful connections with fans going through similar circumstances. Alan Austin, General Manager at Aramark, has a strong tie to this cause, as he has a son identified on the spectrum. Reflecting on the partnership, he explained, “It’s kind of like a family, anyone affected by autism becomes family by default and you saw that happen here.” Due to restrictions and safety protocols set in place during the 2020 season, Popcorn for the People was only able to sell at four home games, but the organization remains committed to creating more employment opportunities for neurodiverse individuals. “This is the first step in trying to change the world,” said Alan. To learn more about the Eagles Autism Foundation and Aramark’s relationship with Popcorn for the People, check out this segment on NBC10.
Popcorn for the People is dedicated to creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with autism.
2020 Eagles Autism Foundation eaglesautismfoundation.org
IMPACT REPORT
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