The Bread & Butter Project

The Bread & Butter Project is a social enterprise bakery in Australia that focuses on providing training and employment opportunities for people seeking refuge in the country. Established in 2013, it has become Australia's first social enterprise bakery dedicated to this cause.

Mission and Operations

The organisation offers a comprehensive training program where refugees learn artisanal baking skills under the guidance of experienced bakers. The bread and pastries produced are sold to generate revenue, with 100% of the profits being reinvested into the training and employment pathways for these individuals[1][2][3].

As a public company and a registered charity with DGR status, it operates as a commercial business while fulfilling its charitable objectives. The project relies heavily on sales from baked goods, which cover about 90% of operational costs, with the remaining 10% funded through donations[2][5].

Social Impact

Since its inception, The Bread & Butter Project has worked with trainees from numerous countries, including Iran, Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, and Somalia, among others[2]. Notably, almost all graduates have achieved sustainable employment, enabling them to stop receiving welfare support[2][5]. An independent study in 2018 highlighted that 100% of the graduates' children were either in school or university, demonstrating a positive intergenerational impact[2][5].

History and Founding

The project was inspired by Paul Allam, a co-founder of the acclaimed Bourke Street Bakery, following his experience teaching refugee women to bake on the Thai-Burmese border. This led to the establishment of The Bread & Butter Project in Sydney, reflecting his commitment to creating opportunities for refugees in Australia[2].

Sustainability and Growth

As of 2020, the organisation was taking on up to 30 new trainee bakers annually and had plans to achieve full financial independence by enhancing its commercial capabilities[5]. The social impact of The Bread & Butter Project extends beyond immediate employment, fostering long-term economic stability and community integration for its participants.

[1] https://thebreadandbutterproject.com [2] https://thebreadandbutterproject.com/about/ [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/15252fcf-39af-e811-a962-000d3ad24a0d [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/15252fcf-39af-e811-a962-000d3ad24a0d/documents/389a4b09-6d3f-eb11-bf72-000d3ad1ce4e [5] https://probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2020/12/the-rise-of-the-bread-and-butter-project/