Chicago (December 2020) – Starting this holiday season, Garrett Popcorn Shops is partnering with Chicago CRED, an organization founded in 2016 by former Education Secretary Arne Duncan to reduce gun violence. Among other strategies, Chicago CRED aids young adults with backgrounds in the criminal justice system to break barriers to employment in the legal economy.

Chicago CRED has engaged Garrett as its first major client for its new social enterprise, CREDMADE, a food packaging business. Initially, a team of six CREDMADE employees will fulfill select online orders for Garrett Popcorn Shops. As the business grows, CREDMADE hopes to employ as many 200 people working triple shifts at its warehouse in Pilsen.

“We’re very grateful to Garrett for giving our guys a chance. And we’re hopeful that other companies in Chicago will seize this opportunity to support our efforts to help reduce gun violence by offering job opportunities to young people,” says Duncan.

“With over 70 years in Chicago, Garrett integrates business success with social responsibility,” comments Lance Chody, CEO of Garrett Popcorn Shops. “We’re equally thrilled to support Chicago CRED’s mission and give more Chicagoans a chance to find meaningful, rewarding work.”

For more information visit www.credmade.com and www.GarrettPopcorn.com.

Media Contacts

Peter Cunningham – Chicago CRED, 312-636-8619, petercunningham57@gmail.com Michelle Molise – Garrett Popcorn Shops, 313-549-3137, mmolise@molisepr.com

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