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businesses to support
Alma Backyard Farms gives the opportunity to juvenile offenders and formerly incarcerated individuals to give back to their community that they feel they have taken from. This program provides nurture to others and is inspired by the willingness of these individuals to act as caretakers for their community. Alma grows food for and in these communities and helps individuals reclaim their lives while repurposing land and building a strong sense of community.
Beelove is a Chicago-based company that specializes in honey and honey-based skincare products. Their CEO, Brenda Palms Barber, looks to formerly incarcerated individuals to provide them with a workplace environment that will make them feel part of a team. Their online store provides products for consumers not located in Chicago!
Ben and Jerry’s sells ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet. Their mission is to speak up when they see injustice and have vocalized their stand against discrimination against hiring a formerly incarcerated person through their ‘ban the box’ ice cream flavor and informational website page on mass incarceration in America. Ben and Jerry’s Ice cream can be bought at any Ben and Jerry’s ice cream shop or at local grocery stores.
CORE Foods is an Oakland-based snack shop that specializes in gut-healthy snacks for the go. CORE not only focuses on the health of their customers, but the health of their community as well, since they also provide hiring opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals. Their physical store is located in Downtown Oakland and their online store ensures people all over the world can try a taste of CORE Foods.
Dave's Killer Bread makes organic, whole grain loaves of bread that are sold at grocery stores. This company believes in and promotes second-chance hiring by believing in hiring should be based on abilities rather than the criminal background as well as the transformative power a job can have on someone’s life. You can purchase Dave’s Killer online through one of the retailers listed on their website or at a local grocery store such as Ralphs.
Greyston Bakery, located in the New York City area, is a bakery known for their quality ingredients. Their motto, “Eat Brownies Save Lives,” describes their employment opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals. While only physically located in New York, their online store allows consumers everywhere to be able to experience some of Greyston’s famous sweet treats.
Homeboy Industries aids individuals who are seeking to transform their lives by providing re-entry programs, tattoo removal, substance abuse resources, and more. Homeboy started as a nonprofit and has grown to establish a dozen job training businesses. Their social enterprises include a bakery, groceries, Homegirl Cafe, catering, silkscreen & embroidery, and much more.
Mod Pizza makes and sells Artisan-individualized pizzas as well as salads. Their mission is to promote acceptance, opportunity, and development and put people first by hiring people with disabilities and formerly incarcerated individuals in need of a second chance. They have locations scattered throughout Los Angeles County where you can purchase their products in-person at their stores.
