(LANCASTER, PA) – Inspired by a bounty of local produce and a disproportion of local area poverty, The Lancaster Food Company’s mission is to create extraordinary food sourced from nearby organic farmers and hire people out of poverty into thriving-wage jobs.
The only certified organic food company in Lancaster, PA, the company’s mission includes paying better than living wages and hiring people who might otherwise have difficulty getting work because of personal histories, education, literacy, or language barriers.
Partners Charlie Crystle and Craig Lauer started The Lancaster Food Company with a dual mission: having significant impact on the city of Lancaster – which has a 30% poverty rate – and making delicious, sustainable food. Passionate about reducing poverty in the United States, the team wants to do its part where they live by paying better than living wages, hiring people who might otherwise have difficulty getting work, and offering stock options to all employees. Launched in 2014, the company currently employs 14 people with plans to expand to more than 100 over the next 18 months.
Living in a farm-friendly area where fresh produce thrives, Lancaster Food Company shares the best of Central Pennsylvania’s certified organic ingredients. Organic sandwich breads include varieties include soft white, sprouted multigrain, whole wheat, and sandwich rye. The brand also offers two varieties of sunflower seed butter, two varieties types of salsa, organic maple syrup, and a variety of seasonal, regional gourmet products.
ABOUT THE TEAM
Charlie Crystle | Co-founder & CEO
Charlie leads the company’s sales, marketing, and business development. He’s a serial entrepreneur who founded two software companies, GiftWorks and Chilisoft. His lifelong friendship with Craig and love of Craig’s cooking talent led him to form the company with him as a way to address poverty through prosperity and fair compensation. A University of Delaware graduate, he lives in downtown Lancaster with his dog Bear.
Craig Lauer | Co-founder & Chief Product Officer
Craig leads product development, production, and branding. Craig has been a brand strategist, advertising copywriter, fiction writer, and teacher. Before returning to Lancaster with his wife and daughter, he lived in New York City for more than 15 years, where he consulted with a wide range of companies. Craig holds degrees from Millersville University and Sarah Lawrence College. He is passionate about agricultural issues, the local food movement, wholesome food, and serving the community.
The Lancaster Food Company’s products are available at more than 100 stores and restaurants on the East Coast. Learn more at www.thelancasterfoodcompany.com.
PRODUCTS
ORGANIC SLICED SANDWICH BREADS
Baked and delivered fresh five to six days a week
- Soft White
For those who love soft old-fashioned white bread, enjoy this healthy and delicious alternative. With a bit of organic honey and sweet Pennsylvania apple cider, this bread pleases kids and the kid in all of us. - 100% Whole Wheat
Soft and moist, this 100% whole wheat bread is high in fiber, nutrition, and flavor. It’s great toasted or as the foundation of any sandwich. - Sprouted Multigrain
Easier to digest for some people with wheat sensitivities, this bread has the added nutty goodness of sprouted quinoa, buckwheat, amaranth, and other sprouted ancient grains. - Sandwich Rye
This version of a classic deli rye is full-flavored without being overpowering. Its big slices are perfect for any sandwich, including a classic Reuben, hummus with sprouts, egg salad, or sunflower seed spread and jelly. - Cinnamon Raisin Swirl
A breakfast favorite, with 100% whole grains
ORGANIC SPREADS
Made in a peanut-free facility, these delicious organic seed spreads complement a range of treats.
- Sunflower Seed with Pennsylvania Maple Sugar
- Sunflower Seed with Sea Salt
ORGANIC MAPLE SYRUP
Harvested from a single farm in the northern hills of Pennsylvania, this premium organic maple syrup is the perfect addition to pancakes, waffles, breads, club soda, and even Manhattans.
LIMITED EDITION SEASONAL SALSAS AND JAMS
These jams and salsas burst with peak of summer freshness including tomatoes, sweet corn and other Lancaster County fruits and vegetables.
- Ripe Tomato and Sweet Corn Salsa
- Ripe Tomato and Cilantro Salsa
- Golden Orange Tomato Salsa
- Pectin-Free Organic Strawberry Jam
