Dawn H.
Yelp
I wrote a review for Common Grounds in Bed Stuy in Brooklyn. Since I mentioned Greyston Bakery, I figure I might as well go ahead and write a review here. FYI- Greyston Bakery sells through retail outlets although I believe pick up may be available for special orders.
I am a huge Ben & Jerry's fan. In my freshman year in college, I used to eat two pints every study night. Somehow I remained skinny, so that is a blessing. Before it became almost "been there, done that" for businesses to talk about social and environmental consciousness, Ben & Jerry's incorporated the message into their organizational and product DNA (at least before the acquisition). But if you asked me to name their suppliers- those responsible for making me miss dinner so I could pack 1200 calories of anti-Atkins goodness into my small frame- I couldn't name a single one... OK, perhaps I might say "those farmers that agree not to inject their cows with crappy hormones so we can have safer milk". I guess that means their milk suppliers, but I still couldn't tell you the name of the farms involved.
I learned that Greyston Bakery is responsible for the baked goods in some of the most popular B&J flavors. If you've bitten into a brownie from a scoop of B&J ice cream, then you know their work.
Recently, Greyston announced a line of brownies available for retail: DoGoodie Brownies. On a trip to the headquarters (which houses their factory and offices designed with the environment in mind) along the Hudson River, I was given a tour and provided with a glass of milk and not one, but two brownies to try. I called myself saving one to take to my mom, but it never made it (poor thing never had a chance).
I am funny about baked goods. I prefer soft and warm or room temperature items. Most of the time, if I buy pre-packaged, I am going to do something to make it taste more homemade. I was thrilled that neither the Walnut Fudge nor the Expresso Bean required any doctoring. Warning: even for avid chocolate fans like me, you need a cold glass of milk and an ounce of restraint when eating. It's tempting to eat all in one sitting.
Apparently, DoGoodie Brownies are sold in a number of retail markets including Whole Foods.
I am a fan of those businesses and organizations that literally put time and investment into their communities. Greyston does it and does so very well. During the tour, I learned that as a social enterprise, Greyston lives up to its motto of baking brownies to hire people. The staff is small and every one has an inspiring story around how they became involved; even the CEO who is an experienced entrepreneur and literally spends part of his busy schedule going out into the community to serve. He made time to meet with me, show me his office filled with items that reflect his personality and the culture of the organization around faith and service. A wall of books literally line a wall for employees and visitors to read on service, entrepreneurship, leadership and a host of other topics.
A space overlooking the actual bakery in the building is slated to be used as an open room for the community. The Greyston Foundation, in part due to income from the bakery, provides a host of services and resources for community development such as low-income housing. Greyston Bakery actually offers a Pathmaking program to help employee achieve their goals in and out of the workplace. How they haven't been nominated as one of the best places to work in Family Magazine or elsewhere is beyond me. Some employees have been around for years in the double digits. Not bad for a currently slumped economy.
My only disappointment is that there aren't satellite offices in NYC proper. I live in a part of NYC that is heavily populated but has little culinary interests to offer other than suburban-like housing. I would gladly volunteer time to chew on a batch of brownies while mentoring local teens at the kitchen table.
Anyway, the next time you have an urge to satisfy your sweet tooth, grab a DoGoodie Brownie or other baked item from Greyston and actually feel good about blowing your diet for a change. Real, meaningful, change.
