Made With Love

Chicago snack company Fueled by AF promotes employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities

By Natalie King

Dec. 9, 2023

Local business owner Angelica Ford was recently recognized on the 2023 Forbes 30 Under 30 Chicago List for her work to bring employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities and  promote inclusion with her health food company, Fueled by AF. 

During quarantine in 2020, Ford started experimenting with recipes in her kitchen and was inspired to start her own business selling protein bites and nut butters. When starting Fueled by AF, she wanted to employ individuals with disabilities because she felt there was a lack of accessible employment opportunities. 

All of Fueled by AF’s protein bites and nut butters are handmade by Ford and her employees. Each product is vegan, gluten-free, and free of preservatives.

“There’s a couple million people in the world with disabilities and only about 27% of individuals with disabilities are employed,” Ford said. “However they have a great work ethic, a ton of motivation and they’re always loyal to their brand and their company.”

Unemployment Rates of Individuals with Disabilities in the U.S. from 2009 to 2022

 

Source: Statisa.com

Since 2009, the unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities in the U.S. has gone down, hitting its lowest in 2019 with 7.3%. While the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020 brought this unemployment rate back up to 12.6%, it has since decreased again to 7.6% in 2022. 

Ford spreads awareness about the importance of offering accessible employment opportunities and promotes her business on her company’s Instagram page, @fueledbyaf. One of her followers was inspired by her work and nominated her for the 30 Under 30 List. Being named on the Chicago List came as a total surprise for Ford and fulfilled one of her lifelong dreams.  

“As part of pursuing something good for the community, someone gave back something good to me… so it was a very shocking, very rewarding experience,” Ford said.

Angelica Ford attends the Forbes 30 Under 30 Summit in Chicago.  She was awarded a spot on the list for her commitment to the accessibility of individuals with all abilities in her two companies, Fueled by AF and Ability Fitness.

@fueledbyaf on Instagram

Since the company officially launched in 2021, Fueled by AF has expanded from selling four protein bite options to eight and six nut butter flavors. Their products are manufactured in Logan Square and sold in 30 retailers throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. They have also expanded to three out-of-state retailers in Minneapolis, Indianapolis and Lincoln, Nebraska. 

In addition to accessibility, the company also focuses on promoting healthy lifestyles. All of their recipes are made with natural, vegan, and gluten free ingredients. 

“I think the most important thing would be quality of ingredients,” Fueled by AF employee Brian Gaeta said. “I noticed that Angelica uses a lot of high quality ingredients and that leads to a better product that tastes delicious.” 

Angelica Ford works in Fueled by AF’s Logan Square kitchen to package a batch of protein bites. She designed this space with accommodations like wheelchair height tables and touchscreens to make the facility accessible to employees with a range of disabilities.

Ford attributes her company’s rapid expansion and success to her dedication and countless hours of hard work. She hopes to inspire other young entrepreneurs to not give up when looking to start their own businesses.  

“If you think it’s going to take ten minutes it’s going to take 30, if you think it’s going to take $10 it’s going to take $30, times everything by three and be patient,” Ford said.  

Benefits of Offering Accommodations in the Workplace

Source: Job Accommodation Network

According to a 2020 study, 75% of employers who implemented accommodations for disabilities said they were either very or extremely effective. Each employer also reported a variety of benefits from implementing accommodations.

Through her two businesses, Ford has been able to advocate for a cause that she cares deeply about, the inclusion of those with disabilities. She emphasizes the importance of supporting small businesses to support the causes and dreams of those who own them. 

“[Small businesses] are the backbone to America’s business and economy,” Ford said. “When you’re supporting a small business you’re supporting someone else’s big dream.”