By: Yuritza Arroyo
On Wednesday, City of Elizabeth residents partook in The Housing Authority of the City of Elizabeth's (HACE) and Michael Foods' Community Food Drive.
According to Union County officials, in addition to food distribution, Michael Foods conducted on-the-spot interviews for positions such as maintenance technicians, micro lab technicians, forklift operators, machine operators, and sanitation technicians.
Officials say, COVID-19 testing and vaccines, including boosters, were available at the event.
Michael Foods donated a total of 4 pallets of food supplies to the community, which equates to helping feed 300 families in need.
“The City of Elizabeth is proud to have Michael Foods host a community food drive for our residents.
An event with resources such as vaccines, booster shots, and employment opportunities is always welcome, and we hope everyone takes advantage of the multiple positions available,” said Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage.
“Today we welcomed the Elizabeth community to Mravlag Manor to not only bring home generously donated supplies by Michael Foods but also to seek a new career path,” said William D. Jones, Executive Director of HACE.
“Our residents were offered on-the-spot interviews, and we endeavor to continue supplying resources and opportunities to jobseekers in the community.”
One such jobseeker and Mravlag Manor resident, Ahmid Belin, was excited to share his experience about the event, “I was looking for a job, and I’m really grateful for this event.
Hopefully, it will match the hours I’m looking for, but I’m very grateful. Sounds like a good opportunity for all of us.”
An Elizabeth resident, Reimond Sanchez, works side jobs and construction to help support his two children, “I came here to find more work from other places to get more support and change my life.”
HACE often holds hiring events such as these, in large part through their Jobs Plus Program.
HACE’s Jobs Plus Program is possible thanks to a $2.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HACE was one of nine housing authorities in the nation to receive a grant for the Jobs Plus Program from HUD in 2020.
Cathy Hart, Deputy Executive Director of HACE, shared, “We are thankful for the opportunity to partner with Michael Foods for this unique event.
HACE is always appreciative of local community partners who can assist in bringing supplemental resources to our properties. Providing food and employment opportunities to our Mravlag and surrounding community continues to be extremely impactful.”
Michael Foods attributes company success to the people they employ, “We are ‘First in Food,’ but we are also ‘First in People.’ From our 100 years in business, we know that great people make great food, and we couldn’t do it without them.
That’s why we strive to give back to the communities we serve however possible,” Kristy Larson, Vice President of Human Resources of Michael Foods, explained.