Julie Sullivan’s “lightbulb moment” came after returning from Uganda where she’d been overseeing employment training for women overcoming poverty. Couldn’t her hometown of Portland, OR benefit from a similar program? As soon as she met Carolyn Cesario, who was perfecting recipes for gourmet sugar-free, peanut-free nut butters, the idea was born. Combining their passions to create a not-just-for-profit business focused on social impact, they launched Ground Up PDX in 2016, mixing their first couple batches at home in a Cuisinart.

Ground Up works with Portland-area women overcoming adversity, providing paid job training and secure employment. They learn to make delicious, natural nut butters from “the ground up,” gaining the confidence, skills, and stamina they need to get back on their feet in the process. Unique flavors like Cinnamon Snickerdoodle, Toasted Macadamia Nut with Chia and Flaxseed, and Oregon Hazelnut (of course), are just some of the nut butters you can find from these makers at Ground Up, at your local Market of Choice.

Published On: March 21st, 2024

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