The Bread Project

The Bread Project in Emeryville is a phenomenal opportunity for anyone thinking of finding work in the baking/​food industry, or simply anyone interested in learning a new skill and broadening their education.
The Bread Project is a completely FREE service and offers opportunities to people of lower income as well as people who may be struggling with housing, mental health, etc.
At The Bread Project you will be working hands-​on in the kitchen with a very knowledgable staff. You will be learning to make — from scratch — cookies, muffins, scones, cupcakes, pies, cakes, breads, and so, so much more! You will also be learning all the skills you will need to succeed in a commercial bakery such as good manufacturing practices, knowledge of commercial equipment (mixers, stoves, etc.), kitchen safety, baker’s math, and more.
The only downside –and the reason I could not rate a full 5 star rating is that the staff is not properly trained to handle situations of crisis. I was not able to complete my full training with The Bread Project because I had a serious issue come up where one of my classmates was threatening to kill people. I brought it up with three different staff members at The Bread Project and they all told me (essentially) that it’s not their problem and if I can’t deal with it on my own then I have to quit. So, unfortunately, I had to quit, as I did not feel it was a safe environment for me. What I’m saying is, you need to be prepared to tackle any issues that arise on your own. The staff there will not assist you in any way. It is very unfortunate that they do not have the cognitive capabilities to properly handle crises at this time, but I would hope that is something they could work towards changing in the future since they do try to assist people with different backgrounds, histories, and struggles.
In summary, The Bread Project is an exceptional program with more to offer than you can imagine as long as you get lucky and get in with a group of people who don’t cause you any issues.

I LOVE their menu! Great variety and quality is always consistent. Feeling love at every single bite =)

Delicious breads in their shop on University — the place always smells of temptation. They are also a good cause — training people skills required to make a career in artisan baking. Prices are reasonable and how could you not want to linger in the café that smells of fresh, baking bread?

Bought a small summer fruit pie for $ 5 at their stand in the Emeryville Farmer’s Market. First of all, I haven’t seen a pie priced so reasonably for at least 10 years. Second, the crumble on top was sweet crunchy heaven, the crust was perfection and the fruit not overly sweet or loaded with slimy cornstarch.
I also tried the generously portioned brownie which was straight from mom’s kitchen: cakey, not fudgy. Yum, I’m hooked.

OK, so there was this event in Jack London Square where they had all these bakeries and candy makers showing off their goodies, and you know what was off the hook? The chocolate bark with cranberries from the Bread Project.
Turns out that they also have a little café in the school where they turn out some pretty awesome eats, that are freshly prepared. They purchase their produce in the area. In addition to being a classroom. If you are in the area, stop by, pick up a sandwich or some muffins or the fresh made soup.
Also, they cater. Planning a wedding or birthday party? They make cupcakes for $ 1 each! Whooo whheeee, that’s what I’m talking about.
Sustainability
Education
Fresh Eats
Easy on the wallet
**Support your local nonprofit**

The Bread Project in association with Berkeley Adult School teaches onthe job skills for basic food prep and provides job referral assistance for entry level positions in the food industry. participants receive a certificate upon completion of the 9 week program. Classes are held 5 days a week. I met them at the Chocolate Salon this past weekend and tried their chocolate bread. it was really delicious. dont know if they have onsite bakery (they should!) thats it and thats all.