BeeFree: PURPOSEFULSNACKING AND EMPOWERING ADULTS WITH AUTISM

IN NOBLESVILLE, INDIANA , a snack food company has grown from a mother’s kitchen experiment into a nationally recognized brand and a beacon of hope for adults with autism seeking meaningful employment. BeeFree, founded by Jennifer Wiese, blends the passion for real-ingredient snacks with a powerful mission: to close the staggering 80% job gap that adults with autism face after high school.

A Mother’s Mission

Jennifer Wiese’s journey began in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where she grew up before eventually settling in Noblesville with her husband. Over the years, she raised four boys who have since embarked on their own adventures across the state. Her oldest son, August, was diagnosed with autism as a child. Like many parents navigating the autism journey, Jennifer sought out anything that could improve his health and quality of life. She discovered that gluten-free foods made a significant difference in how August felt.

But in the early days, gluten-free options were often bland, unappetizing, or filled with questionable ingredients. As a mother who wanted her son to enjoy food alongside the rest of the family, Jennifer began experimenting with recipes that were not only safe but also genuinely delicious. One of those recipes became what is now known as Warrior Mix—a snack that would change not only her family’s kitchen but thousands of others across the country. With a fashion degree from Ball State University and experience in hospitality, Jennifer did not set out to run a food company. Yet when she saw the positive response to her creations, she realized she had something worth sharing. BeeFree was born out of a small bakery in downtown Noblesville. Over the next 15 years, it grew steadily, moving into a commercial bakery and eventually landing products in thousands of stores nationwide.

Purpose Beyond the Product

What makes BeeFree stand apart is not just its clean, crave-worthy ingredients, but its unwavering focus on inclusion. Jennifer saw that as August grew older, opportunities for individuals with autism became scarce. With nearly 80% of adults with autism unemployed or underemployed, the need for meaningful work was undeniable. She realized BeeFree could serve as more than a snack company; it could also be a platform for creating jobs and training.

BeeFree began employing and training adults with autism, offering them valuable workplace skills and experiences. This commitment to purposeful employment became a cornerstone of the company’s identity. Jennifer often explains that while the snacks may draw people in, the mission is what keeps the work alive: “We believe everyone deserves the chance to thrive, and that includes the opportunity to work and be valued.”

Warriors at Work

To expand this vision, BeeFree created BeeFree Bakes, a nonprofit arm with a dedicated program called Warriors at Work. This 10-week training program equips individuals with special needs to be job-ready, teaching warehousing, customer service, food preparation, and problem-solving skills. Trainees not only learn practical workplace tasks but also build confidence, independence, and social connections.

The program extends into the community through the BeeFree Bakes Lemonade Truck, a mobile training site that pops up at farmers markets, community festivals, and local events. Trainees serve customers, manage operations, and gain real-world experience in a supportive environment.

The Lemonade Truck is more than a fun way to enjoy a refreshing drink; it is a vibrant classroom on wheels, preparing young adults on the autism spectrum for future opportunities.

As Jennifer describes it, “This is more than a lemonade stand. It’s a place where our Warriors at Work learn employment and communication skills, build confidence, and contribute to their community in a meaningful way.” Supported by organizations such as Hamilton County Tourism Inc., Hamilton County Community Foundation, and Invest Hamilton County, the trailer represents an innovative approach to inclusion, one cup at a time.

National Recognition

While BeeFree has made a significant impact locally, its reach now extends far beyond Indiana. In 2025, the company celebrated a major milestone: BeeFree snacks are now available in 361 airports nationwide through Hudson News convenience stores. This expansion has introduced Warrior Mix to travelers across the country, turning airport layovers into opportunities for purposeful snacking.

For Jennifer, this moment was about more than visibility. “We created Warrior Mix to support our son’s journey with autism, and now it’s helping thousands of people travel stronger and snack smarter every day, while also creating more jobs for adults with autism. We believe every person is a warrior in their own way, and now they don’t have to compromise on quality when they’re on the move.”

BeeFree’s flagship Warrior Mix is gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, and made without refined sugar. Its clean ingredients and bold flavors have resonated with health-conscious eaters, athletes, adventurers, and busy families alike. The airport rollout marks a new altitude for BeeFree, blending purpose and practicality on a national scale.

Giving Back to Community

BeeFree’s commitment to service goes beyond snacks and job training. The company supports a variety of food pantries, including Fueled for School and Feeding Team, as well as others whenever they have resources to share. Jennifer herself is active in the community, often participating in biking and running events. Currently, she is training for a marathon she will run alongside her son Clay to raise funds for Autism Speaks.

For Jennifer, giving back is not a side project but an extension of BeeFree’s mission. The company exists to fuel people with wholesome food while empowering those who too often are overlooked. By weaving social impact into every layer of the business, BeeFree demonstrates what’s possible when passion meets purpose.

Advice for the Special Needs Community

Drawing from her personal journey and professional experience, Jennifer often encourages families in the special needs community to “get plugged into your community.” She believes strongly that no one should face challenges alone, and that seeking support, building connections, and leaning on networks are essential. “There are people ready to help you,” she says, “and everyone needs support.”

This philosophy is woven into the DNA of BeeFree itself. The company thrives not only because of its product but because of the community it has built, one that values inclusion, resilience, and shared success.

Looking Ahead

BeeFree’s story is still being written. From a mother’s kitchen in Indiana to store shelves across the country, the company has grown while staying rooted in its mission. With the Warriors at Work program and BeeFree Bakes continuing to expand opportunities for individuals with autism, and with Warrior Mix now fueling travelers nationwide, the future is filled with possibility.

Jennifer Wiese’s story is a reminder of what happens when determination, love, and vision collide. BeeFree is more than a snack company. It is a movement, one that proves business can be both profitable and purposeful, nourishing both bodies and communities at the same time.

Contact Information:

Jennifer Wiese, Owner/Founder

Email: sales@beefreegf.com

Website: www.beefreegf.com

Instagram: @beefreeglutenfree

Nonprofit: @beefree_bakes

BeeFree products are available at retailers such as Meijer, Kroger, Fresh Thyme, and Fresh Market, Market District, as well as in airports nationwide.