The Waterbury Times|Published Mar 26, 2026
Waterbury Job Fair Highlights Bozzuto’s Role in Hiring, Second Chances, and Feeding Communities
Waterbury-A recent job fair brought together employers and job seekers with one shared goal: opportunity. But for one company with deep ties to the Waterbury community, the mission goes beyond just filling positions—it’s about building careers and sustaining communities.
Bozzuto’s Inc., a long-time employer with operations based in Cheshire, continues to play a critical role in hiring Waterbury residents while serving as a key link in the food supply chain.
A Company That Shows Up
At the event, Operations Manager Derek Roy and Recruiter Valerie Avelar represented Bozzuto’s, emphasizing why events like this matter.
Roy kept it simple:
“Everyone has to eat.”
It’s a statement that cuts through everything. While most people see stocked shelves at their local grocery store, few understand the logistics behind getting food from farms to stores. That’s where Bozzuto’s comes in.
From sourcing to distribution, the company operates behind the scenes to ensure communities stay fed—making their workforce essential to everyday life.
Decades of Impact on Waterbury
Although headquartered in Cheshire, Bozzuto’s has employed Waterbury residents for decades, quietly becoming a cornerstone employer for the city.
For many, it’s more than just a job—it’s a starting point.
Avelar reflected on the company’s reputation growing up:
“As long as I can remember, Bozzuto’s is where everyone worked.”
Now on the inside, she understands why.
“It’s about the connection—the opportunity to give someone a chance to start a career.”
That connection, she explained, is what keeps the company grounded in the communities it serves.
A Stepping Stone—and a Second Chance
Roy acknowledged something many employers avoid saying out loud: not everyone stays forever—and that’s okay.
For some, Bozzuto’s serves as a stepping stone to other opportunities. For others, it becomes a long-term career.
But one of the company’s most impactful roles is its commitment to second-chance hiring.
Roy confirmed that Bozzuto’s actively hires individuals looking for a fresh start—something that continues to make a real difference in communities like Waterbury.
That commitment isn’t just policy—it’s personal.
I can attest to that myself.
In 2020, I was hired by Bozzuto’s as someone needing a 2nd chance . While I ultimately chose to follow a different path, the opportunity was real—and it mattered.
More Than Jobs—A Pipeline to Opportunity
Job fairs like this are often measured by how many positions are filled. But the real impact runs deeper.
They create access.
They create visibility.
And for companies like Bozzuto’s, they create pathways—whether it’s a first job, a career move, or a second chance.
As Waterbury continues to push forward economically, partnerships between employers and the community remain critical.
And if Roy’s message is any indication, the mission is clear:
People need food.
Communities need jobs.
And companies like Bozzuto’s sit right in the middle—making both happen.
Bozzuto’s continues to recruit for a variety of roles. Job seekers interested in opportunities are encouraged to attend upcoming hiring events or apply directly through the company.
A Public Benefit Perspective
At its core, this is what a functioning local economy looks like—employers showing up, communities being included, and opportunities reaching the people who need them most.
At Parker Jane Public Benefit Corporation, we believe stories like this matter because they reflect something bigger than a single job fair. They represent a system working the way it should—where access, dignity, and opportunity are not reserved for a few, but extended to all, including those seeking a second chance.
Companies like Bozzuto’s demonstrate that business success and community impact are not separate goals—they are aligned. When employers invest in people, especially those often overlooked, the return is felt across families, neighborhoods, and the city as a whole.
This is the model worth highlighting.
This is the work worth continuing.
And this is exactly the kind of story we’re committed to telling.
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