“[UFCW Local 1459] is a member of the Pioneer Valley Project and we brought up the issue of a lot of families needing a job and we thought that this would be a magnificent opportunity for the families that are here,” Emily Rodriguez, a lead organizer with the Pioneer Valley Project, said,

At least 23 people had filled out applications as of the 1 p.m., she said. The job fair took place between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Larry Jones, human resource business partner who covers locations in the Pioneer Valley, said Stop & Shop is hiring for half a dozen stores in Springfield, Holyoke, and West Springfield. There are about 35 to 40 part-time openings for positions such as clerks, deli associates, cashiers, or night crew associates.

“The need was explained to us and we saw where we could fit into helping; that it was just an obvious decision to jump in and help,” Jones said. “We have job openings right now and we have people looking for work, so that makes a lot of sense. Personally, when I understood that the recovery efforts are still happening, that compelled me to look to see where we could help out.”

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