The Raw Carrot
Empowering local communities across Ontario through the dignity of work
The Why
Even though Canada has so much wealth, there are still people living on the margins. There are people that are functionally illiterate, others that have learning challenges, some that grew up in families of abuse or neglect and some with physical limitations or are living with mental illness. We all have something in common: the desire to live a purposeful life.
In addition to the challenges of meeting their basic needs, those who face barriers to employment suffer from social exclusion, poverty and a harm to dignity that accompanies a lack of participation in the paid work force and community life. We know firsthand that people on social assistance are willing and able to work, if only given the chance.
That’s why The Raw Carrot came into existence: to empower people who face barriers to traditional employment to secure their own livelihoods through the dignity of work.
The How
The Raw Carrot envisions a world where everyone is meaningfully employed and able to meet their basic needs. We believe that a sustainable hand UP is better than a handout.
We hire individuals on social assistance to cook and package handcrafted gourmet soups that are sold in farmers’ markets and retail locations in the local community. Sales of our healthy products fund the salaries of those working at The Raw Carrot.
Tired of giving out monthly handouts, casseroles or food cards?
We partner with churches and non-profits with a vision for reducing poverty and marginalization in their communities to initiate and embed The Raw Carrot within their current organization. The ministry/franchise is owned and operated by the organization, with support from The Raw Carrot, to tackle poverty with sustainable, lasting change. Using our established organizational structure, brand recognition, and a successful model, a partnership with The Raw Carrot results in permanent employment opportunities for people on social assistance who face barriers to traditional employment but are willing to work.
Watch The Raw Carrot team in action!