A Struggling Homeboy Industries Launches New Product at Ralphs
Eric Richardson
[Flickr]
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa sampling some Homegirl salsa at a promotional event in 2009.
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Who knew a salsa could make such a difference?
Homeboy Industries, a non-profit founded by L.A. native Father Greg Boyle in an effort to address the the growing problems and of gang-involved youth, has had its hand in creating a safer Downtown neighborhood. Now Homeboy hopes that Ralphs customers will quite literally lend a hand by scooping some of their namesake chips into their first ever mass-produced line of salsas.
Ralphs first started selling Homeboy's line of salsas at their Downtown location in 2009, but as of Tuesday that Homeboy will be stocked on store shelves nationwide.
Since opening in 1992, Homeboy Industries has rehabilitated over 12,000 gang-involved youth in the L.A. area by providing job training and placement assistance and other free programs. Although they opened a headquarters just north of Union Station in 2007, Homeboy continues to struggle to provide services for Downtown's at-risk youth.
On Tuesday Father Greg with be joined by Ralphs President Mike Donnelly, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and other city officials to celebrate the launch of a line of tortilla chips and salsa in order to spark a turnaround effort to bring Homeboy Industries out of its financial instability.
Ralphs customers can choose from a variety of salsas like Morita, Mango, Salsa Verde, Pico de Gallo, and Mole, all while contributing to Homeboy's important work.
In addition to in-store sales, Angelenos can enjoy Homeboy Salsa and Homeboy Tortilla Chips via a Homeboy Food Truck.
In addition to the promotion on Tuesday, Ralphs will be donating $50,000 to HBI, in addition to a recent $100,000 donation from apparel manufacturer Gildan.
Whitman Lam on January 21, 2011, at 12:36AM – #1
I will be sure to pick up a bag of Homeboy chips and a jar of Homeboy salsa for Superbowl Sunday !!
Nancy Richardson (@nanorich) on January 21, 2011, at 06:00AM – #2
By the way, you can pick up some truly wonderful artisan bread and baguettes at Homeboy stalls at Farmer's Markets. Homegirl also serves at the City Hall Farmer's Market, too.
Robyn on January 21, 2011, at 11:53AM – #3
This is simply AWESOME news.
The Dude on January 22, 2011, at 05:14PM – #4
I just picked up tubs of the Mango, Molita and Pico de Gallo (hot) last night at the USC Ralphs and tried them out while watching Jersey Shore on rerun. Mango is really good!! A little sweeter, but the onions are fantastic. Molita has great flavor, but is too runny/messy with chips. The Pico, even though it says "hot" isn't very spicy, and while fresh, lacks flavor.
I hope to try the Chile Verde soon!
El Dabe Sherif on January 23, 2011, at 12:37PM – #5
I love Los Angeles' Homeboy Industries, I love what it means for its employees, and I really support it. More religious leaders should get into the outreach business and Father Greg Boyle is a real hero. I am going to the downtown Ralphs today to pick some up. Do Los Angeles a fvor and support that company. El Dabe - Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer
Matt Walsh on January 24, 2011, at 05:11PM – #6
delicious.
Shannon Vasquez on January 25, 2011, at 11:55AM – #7
I just got back from Ralphs where they are all set up! I got a bag of chips, a mango and a morita. Should be perfect for Shrimp Taco Tuesday!!