Here’s good news for unemployed moms in Kansas who are looking for work.
Mars Chocolate is building a new $250 million candy factory south of Topeka which is expected to create about 200 permanent full-time jobs in northeast Kansas. The plant, which will produce M&Ms and Snickers candies, is the first new chocolate factory Mars has built in 35 years. Calorie production should begin in 2013, and Mars officials say the project has the potential to create nearly 1000 direct and indirect jobs in Kansas, including temporary jobs relating to the factory construction and building supplies.
In other related news, the Kansas Department of Health & Environment Bureau for Children, Youth and Families has just released a study which indicates that the prevalence of obesity among adults in Kansas has increased by almost 70 percent since 1992. More than one in five adult Kansans are now obese, and almost three in five (including children) are at least overweight.
Okay, don’t snicker. But I bet the new working moms in Topeka will be bringing home more than just their fat paychecks once the factory is in full production. Along with extra pocket change, how about fringe benefits like sacks full of M&Ms for the chubby kids to snack on while they’re playing their favorite video games?
Will “Willy” be the preferred name for babies born during this wonky chocolate boom?
Hmmm. And their political chant: “Yes, we candy!”