Specialty Food Magazine is the leading publication for retailers, manufacturers and foodservice professionals in the specialty food trade. It provides news, trends and business-building insights that help readers keep their businesses competitive.
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of workers with a criminal history was the same or even better than those without one, noting characteristics like "really involved, pas- sionate, and excited to learn." Delahunt stresses that they have particular criteria when inter- viewing people with criminal backgrounds. "A thorough interview and screening process is paramount to success with Second Chance Employment. Through open and honest dialogue, we're looking to identify people who've made a mental shift in their thinking and are ready to work," she says. Ultimately, they cannot hire all of the quali- fied applicants with criminal backgrounds. "That's part of what's driving our work with the Dave's Killer Bread Foundation. We're hoping to expand employment opportunity nationwide for people with criminal backgrounds," she says. Future Plans Under the umbrella of Flowers Foods, Dave's Killer Bread will oper- ate as an independent subsidiary and will continue expansion of its Oregon operation. Most importantly, it will hold steadfast to its belief in the potential of its people and remain committed to not only hiring, but advocating for, the employment of people with criminal backgrounds. Nash says, "Businesses can create meaningful and last- ing change for people with criminal backgrounds—and society as a whole." He urges other businesses to experience "the power of an untapped workforce that will make a difference in people's lives and your organization. All it takes is one hire to get started." they have a criminal record, at least during the initial application process. Over 100 cities and 18 states have passed Ban the Box policies to date. Why It Matters According to data shown at a recent Summit presentation, the U.S. accounts for 5 percent of the world's population and 25 percent of the world's prisoners, with 2.2 million Americans currently incar- cerated. And there are numerous obstacles to find employment for released criminals. According to the 2015 study "Who Pays? The Cost of Incarceration on Families," a staggering 60 percent of formerly incarcerated individuals cannot find employment one year after release, increasing the occurrence of recidivism and crime. But when the same study asked employers about their experience work- ing with people with criminal records, they reported the performance giving back Denise Shoukas is a contributing editor to Specialty Food Magazine. "After 10 years successfully employing people with criminal backgrounds, Dave's Killer Bread was ready to share its experience and expertise, as well as collaborate with other Second Chance Employers to encourage businesses to expand employment opportunities to people with criminal backgrounds." "It's giving people a chance to begin a 'career journey,' not just a 'job.'" Dave's headquarters in Milwaukie, Oregon. 138 ❘ SPECIALTY FOOD MAGAZINE specialtyfood.com