Food Processing Skills Canada has launched FoodAbility, a new program designed to connect employers in the food and beverage manufacturing industry with more than 800,000 potential employees with disabilities.
The industry employs over 310,000 people as of 2023 but needs to add nearly 12,000 new workers annually due to growth and retirements, according to Food Processing Skills Canada. “The Canadian food and beverage manufacturing industry is underperforming when it comes to people with disabilities or functional limitations in the workplace,” said Jennefer Griffith, executive director of Food Processing Skills Canada. “Approximately one in three Canadians identify as having a disability, but that is not representative of the industry’s workforce.”
FoodAbility aims to help businesses address barriers in hiring people with disabilities by offering comprehensive training modules, workshops, and resources to cultivate inclusive environments. “We know businesses are ready to address barriers in hiring people with disabilities and engage in the education necessary to drive successful employment, but they need support,” Griffith said. “FoodAbility is the first industry-targeted program for Canadian food and beverage manufacturers dedicated to connecting hiring businesses with individuals with disabilities.”
The program intends to take employers from awareness to action by partnering with leading organizations to set a new standard for workplace excellence. “At Food Processing Skills Canada, we believe employers and workplaces hold the key to normalizing disability inclusion,” said Deanna Zenger, program manager for FoodAbility. “By embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment, industry leaders not only enrich their workplaces but also unlock a wealth of untapped potential.”
The food and beverage manufacturing sector is a top employer in Canada, and building diversity and inclusion within its workforce is a priority. The industry already outperforms the general labour force in employing new Canadians, and engaging individuals with disabilities is seen as a significant opportunity to enhance workforce diversity.
FoodAbility is open to employers, HR professionals, and service agencies interested in participating.
Food Processing Skills Canada is a non-profit organization supporting skills training and workforce development in the food and beverage manufacturing industry. It collaborates with industry partners, associations, educators, and government to develop resources that impact talent attraction, workforce retention, and employment culture.