Mahwah, N.J. A&P store manager Peter Sito was honored at a Nov. 14 event by the Rockland County Association for the Learning Disabled with its Employer of the Year Award, for providing opportunities to individuals with learning and other developmental disabilities.

Sito oversees a staff of 198 associates, including 28 with physical and/or mental challenges. The latter employees perform such jobs as carriage handlers, baggers, and porters throughout the store.

The aim of the Rockland County Association for the Learning Disabled is to promote the community inclusion of people with learning and other developmental disabilities, and to help these individuals attain a more productive, self-sufficient, and integrated role in society.

The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co., based in Montvale, N.J., operates 447 stores in eight states and the District of Columbia under the A&P, Waldbaum's, Pathmark, Best Cellars, The Food Emporium, Super Foodmart, Super Fresh, and Food Basics banners.