B Lab is a nonprofit organization dedicated to using the power of business to solve social and environmental problems.
©Copyright 2012 B Lab. All rights reservedAbout Greyston Bakery
A storied social enterprise, Greyston Bakery has been baking gourmet brownies and good will just north of New York City since 1982. The $6.5 million for-profit bakery is most famous for its long-standing status as Ben& Jerry's brownie supplier and for having an open-hiring policy that provides the people of Yonkers, NY with employment opportunity regardless of work history. Committed to a double-bottom line, Greyston Bakery continues to be a pioneer in the world of social enterprise.
We became a B Corp to engage in the discussion about values-led business and to formally join the movement for a new way of doing business.
Greyston Bakery hires men and women who have little or no credentialed work experience, many of whom have histories of homelessness, incarceration, substance abuse, welfare dependence, domestic violence or illiteracy. All of its profits go to the Greyston Foundation, which operates several intensive self-sufficiency programs in Yonkers, NY, including permanent housing and support services for the formerly homeless, low-income working families; children and youth services including childcare; a technology learning center; health and social services including housing for individuals living with HIV/AIDS; and a community gardens project. Greyston's 120 staff serves over 2200 individuals annually with a total budget of $13 million.
The Change We Seek®
Greyston Bakery is based on a Double Bottom Line with the dual objectives of job creation & personal development for local residents and financial support for the Greyston Foundation.
Greyston Bakery is the nationally leading "Brownie Company". We produce Do-Goodie, the best tasting - highest quality brownies at a great value to the consumer.
Greyston Bakery is a leading model for social enterprise building a coalition with employees, community and shareholders. We properly compensate our employees: fair/living wage, health benefits, and direct participation in the profitability of the company. We train, promote from within, and mentor our employees, who we source from the local community.
Greyston Bakery, through its profit generation, is a substantial source of revenue for the Greyston Mandala, supporting affordable childcare for community, affordable housing for homeless and low income families, and affordable health care for persons with HIV.
Greyston Bakery, Inc.
- Product/Services: Baked Goods
- Location: Yonkers, NY
- http://www.GreystonBakery.com
Summary:
Certified: June 2008| Points Earned | % Points Available | |
|---|---|---|
| Accountability » | 7.4 | 74% |
| Employees » | 18.9 | 38% |
| Consumers » | 0.3 | 1% |
| Community » | 51.1 | 74% |
| Environment » | 10.5 | 30% |
| Composite B Score | 88.2 |
- >80 out of 200 is eligible for certification
- >60% points available = Area of excellence
Highlights:
From B Impact AssessmentEnvironment: 100% facilities LEED certified; Built LEED certifed factory on redeveloped brownfield.
Employees: open hiring policy creates opportunity for workers with barriers to employment; >5% profits shared with employees; >80% health insurance premiums paid for employees; 6+ weeks maternity leave.
Community: 100% profits go to community development work; 100% company owned by nonprofit; >40% management and Board from previously excluded populations; 84% employees from low-income communities; 100% employees work in low-income community.
