Wakefern to Tackle Labor Shortages With Hiring Event

Wakefern Food Corp., the largest retailer-owned grocery cooperative in the U.S., is tackling labor shortages head on by hosting a hiring fair from 4 to 7 p.m. May 12 at its corporate office at 33 Northfield Ave., Edison, N.J., and at the Grocery West Distribution Center, 8301 Industrial Blvd., Breinigsville, Penn., the company announced on its website.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported May 6 that grocers beat their job gains from March, when conventional food and beverage stores added close to 18,000 jobs in April. 

Industry experts, however, have warned that labor shortages are not temporary, but rather are here for the long term. Dana Peterson, EVP and chief economist for The Conference Board, at FMI–The Food Industry Association's Midwinter Executive Conference in Orlando in March said "our belief is that labor shortages are here to stay."

Wakefern, which owns and operates supermarkets under the ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Dearborn Market, Gourmet Garage and Fairway Market banners, said it is looking to fill a number of entry-level positions, including corporate procurement, customer care/service, logistics, truck drivers and warehouse team members. Wakefern said each job offers opportunities for career growth and plays an integral part in the operation of the entire cooperative and its retail banners and stores.

“Wakefern offers competitive wages and benefit packages, including medical, dental and retirement benefits and annual increases. Truck driving positions also offer competitive hourly pay, the ability to return home daily, annual safe driving awards, and trucks with safety systems,” the company said in a release.
 
Wakefern said interested candidates are encouraged to stop by by either location to speak to an HR rep orc can find more information here. Preregistration is not required.