FreshDirect Announces Plans To Hire 200 New Employees Over Next 3 Months

NEW YORK, Oct. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Online grocer FreshDirect today announced plans to hire at least 200 new employees for various positions over the next three months in an effort to keep up with operational growth and customer demand.

With preparations underway to relocate to and expand in the South Bronx, FreshDirect expects Bronx residents will fill many of these new positions.  To that end, the company is working with local Bronx community leaders – including Steve Ritz of the Green Bronx Machine and Chris Norwood of Health People: Community Preventive Health Institute – to ensure residents of the borough are aware of the open positions and are encouraged to submit applications.

FreshDirect currently employs nearly 500 workers from the Bronx.  The company hopes to create up to 1,000 new jobs – in addition to its current 2,400-member workforce – once its new state-of-the-art facility is fully operational, with no limit to the number that can go to residents of the Bronx.

"As FreshDirect continues to grow as a company, we're proud to be hiring so many new employees in such a short time frame," said the company's co-founder and CEO, Jason Ackerman.  "In anticipation of our move to the Bronx, we want to be sure Bronx residents fill many of these positions and look forward to working with local community leaders to help make that goal a reality."

"FreshDirect continues to be a good neighbor to the Bronx, long before they break ground here, and this announcement is even more evidence of that," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.  "As this company grows, FreshDirect is working to bring both job opportunities and expanded services to the people of this borough, showcasing their commitment to the continued growth of the Bronx.  My office has a partner in FreshDirect, and together we will work to bring healthy food options and new jobs to the people of the Bronx."

The new positions FreshDirect hopes to fill will include approximately 75 plant jobs, including sortation, shipping, and kitchen positions as well as 125 transportation jobs, including delivery associates and drivers.  Hourly plant and transportation employees who have worked at the company at least six months earn on average $12.24 per hour.  Pay varies depending on the job.  For example, new freezer workers earn between $11.25 and $12.00 per hour.

"These new jobs and aligned food access will change the lives of families and generations in the Bronx," said Steve Ritz, founding partner of Green Bronx Machine, an organization aimed at encouraging healthy eating and living.  "This is exciting and promising for the Bronx and New York City overall.  I know of many people and families who would embrace and really appreciate these opportunities."

"New jobs are so important to the health of the South Bronx," said Chris Norwood, executive director of Health People: Community Preventive Health Institute, a South Bronx-based organization that helps residents in low-income communities lead the fight against chronic health problems.  "We are really pleased to work with FreshDirect to put people to work right here in the Bronx."

Marlene Cintron, President of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, said, "I am delighted to hear that FreshDirect is not only meeting but excelling the commitment through our MOU in creating jobs for Bronx residents. I am proud to continue to collaborate with a business that seeks to bring much-needed jobs to our borough, along with additional business opportunities here and across the region for companies of all types. I look forward to continuing working with FreshDirect to expand the borough's economy for years to come."

Prospective applicants should visit FreshDirect's career site at www.freshdirect.jobs, where they can view current job openings, submit online applications, and check the status of existing applications.

About FreshDirect

FreshDirect is a leading online grocer in the U.S., delivering premium quality fresh-from-the-farm foods and brand-name groceries to customers in the greater New York, New Jersey, Connecticut metro area and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. With a more than 2,000-member workforce that is still growing, FreshDirect places an emphasis on nutritious, delicious meals and convenient services that allow customers more time to live healthy lives. FreshDirect aspires to be a valued corporate partner in all communities in which it serves.

For more information, visit www.freshdirect.com. Follow FreshDirect on Twitter: @freshdirect and on Facebook: facebook.com/FreshDirect

SOURCE FreshDirect