The Bread Project

Today, we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—not only in words, but in action. Every day, The Bread Project’s staff, partners, and community work to promote equity, belonging, fresh starts, and economic freedom across the East Bay and Greater Bay Area.

On January 1, 1963, Dr. King spoke in Oakland at a celebration marking the centennial of the Emancipation Proclamation. In that address, he shared ideas that would later shape his I Have a Dream message and announced support for a nationwide selective-buying campaign to boycott discriminatory companies. This strategy was part of early efforts of Operation Breadbasket, which challenged hiring discrimination in industries including the baking and food sector and encouraged communities to leverage their economic power for fair employment. By 1967, Breadbasket had negotiated jobs bringing $25 million a year in new income - empowering individuals, their families, and the community.

As a social enterprise, The Bread Project carries forward this spirit. Every day, we prepare people for sustainable, living-wage jobs with organizations that stand for equity, justice, and community. In doing so, we honor Dr. King’s vision of economic inclusion and dignity for all.

Wishing our current cohort, former graduates, our Food Entrepreneurs, staff, Board, community partners, and donors a very happy New Year. Thank you for making 2025 amazing.

Here's to 2026!