Northeast Grocery Inc., is breaking new ground in creating job opportunities for individuals with disabilities through a first-of-its-kind partnership with New York State Industries for the Disabled (NYSID).

The initiative aims to integrate individuals with disabilities into the workforce, providing meaningful employment and competitive wages. This comes as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an 11.9% unemployment rate for people with disabilities in New York in 2022, significantly higher than the national average.

Kathleen Falconio, an employee at the Center for Disability Services Mail Fulfillment Center, has been with the company for seven years.

"I've been doing a good job. Fantastic. And I'm trying to improve my daily routine," Falconio said.

Maureen O'Brien, president & CEO of NYSID, emphasized the importance of economic equality.

"People deserve an opportunity to be just like everybody else, to get up, to go to a job, to have an income and to be able to be on equal footing," O'Brien stated.

The partnership will create positions in mail fulfillment and janitorial services.

Mike Miller, chief administrative officer of Northeast Grocery Inc., highlighted the mutual benefits of the initiative.

"Having these important tasks and functions performed for us, tasks and functions that we don't have the expertise to fulfill, like mail fulfillment, is critical," Miller explained.

Northeast Grocery Inc., the parent company of Price Chopper/Market 32 and Tops Supermarket, has previously hired individuals with disabilities. Brendin Walker, a Tops Supermarket employee, manages the frozen food section.

"Making sure everything is full, making sure frozen is locked down, making sure the ice is filled daily," Walker said, describing his responsibilities.

As the partnership expands its inclusive hiring practices, employees like Falconio are finding new opportunities for personal growth and social connection.

"Coming out and supporting everybody with the new opportunities... it's been better to make new friends," Falconio concluded.

The initiative represents a significant step towards creating a more inclusive workforce in New York's grocery industry.