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Students at The Faison Center got a special treat when the Richmond Mondelēz International bakery in Varina opened its doors and provided a behind-the-scenes look at how some of its snack products are made.
The bakery reached out to The Faison Center, a Henrico school that educates children and adults with autism and other special needs, to help recognize Autism Awareness Month in April.
Students had the opportunity to see how popular snacks, such as Oreo cookies and Ritz crackers, are made and to meet the people involved.
Kimberley Roberts, a teacher at the Faison Center, visited the bakery with her class and said that teachers and students alike enjoyed their time there.
“I had staff coming up to me saying that this was some of the best opportunities they’ve had to work in the community with students in their entire career at Faison,” said Roberts. “The students themselves had just a phenomenal time, they were cheering and attentive. It also gave them an opportunity that they might not get to have in other educational settings.”
Earlier in the month, Richmond bakery employees volunteered at The Faison Center, joining in an art project with the students. The visit was a chance for the students to experience a day-in-the-life of their Mondelēz International friends.
“We were so happy to meet the students and teachers, hear about all of the wonderful things happening at the school, and to welcome them to our bakery,” said Mondelēz International employee Carmela Butler. “The smiles on the students’ faces were contagious, and this is something we will all remember for a long time.”
Along with the visit, the bakery changed its entrance lights to blue, the color of autism awareness, and employees wore blue April 23 to show their support. The team also conducted a month-long school supply drive for the students at The Faison Center to use in its new building wing and classrooms.
“Our Mondelēz International Richmond team is a tight-knit group, and we all know someone, whether it’s a friend, family member or colleague, who is impacted by autism,” said Plant Manager Mark Fisher. “Our employees love making a difference in the community, and that is why Henrico County is such a special place to live and work.”
