Jul 22, 2020

Zaman International Releases Loaves For Hope Focaccia Bread

INKSTER – Today, Zaman International released its “Loaves For Hope” Italian-style focaccia bread marking the first product created in its Culinary Arts Kitchen, which is utilized to provide vocational training to women pursuing careers in the culinary arts. A portion of the proceeds from the sales will help support Zaman’s operations and programming.

“As people break bread together, they can also help break the cycle of poverty,” said Najah Bazzy, founder and CEO of Zaman. “‘Loaves For Hope,’ offers delicious focaccia bread, but more importantly supports sustainable career pathways for courageous women who are trying to beat the odds by overcoming extreme poverty.”

“Loaves For Hope” is the first commercial product prepared and baked in Zaman’s state-of-the-art Culinary Arts Kitchen at its Hope for Humanity Center in Inkster. Through the kitchen, Zaman offers clients hands-on instruction and training in food preparation essential to pursuing careers in the culinary arts. The classes are provided free of charge.

Focaccia bread is known for its crisp crust and soft pillowy inside and is associated with the Liguria region of Italy, which is renowned for its superb extra virgin olive oil. “Loaves For Hope” will initially come in za’atar flavor, which is a dried herb and spice blend popular in the Middle East. Olive oil is also a central ingredient in the recipe.

“Pairing focaccia with za’atar blends together two iconic flavors from Italy and the Middle East,” said Zaman Chef Adriana Kalota. “Za’atar is often eaten with bread and matches perfectly with olive oil, so this flavor is going to appeal to a broad range of pallets. It’s great for sandwiches or pairing with a variety of sauces, dips and oils.”

As of October, 2020, Loaves for Hope is available at the following locations:
12596 10 Mile Rd.

Holiday Market520 S. Lilley Rd. Canton, MI 48188 Westborn Market21755 Michigan Ave.Dearborn, MI 48124 Alexander's Farm Market6925 Whitmore Lake Rd.Whitmore Lake, MI 48189 Miller's Orchard14711 Clinton River Rd.Sterling Heights, MI 48313 Country Acres Market South Lyon, MI 48178

“Bringing a food product to market is a big step in growing our vocational and culinary arts programming,” Bazzy said. “We are looking for additional corporate partners to distribute ‘Loaves For Hope.’ Creating viable pathways to opportunity for people is really the only way to effectively eradicate poverty over the long-term.”

Zaman opened its Culinary Arts Kitchen in December of 2017 largely due to the generosity and support of Hussein Siblini, owner of the New Yasmeen Bakery. Since its opening, the Culinary Arts Kitchen has supported BOOST students (Building Ongoing Opportunities through Skills Training) while also generating revenue by providing catering services and hot café lunches. In May 2019, Zaman was awarded an Impact100 grant to support equipment purchases to enhance the kitchen’s offerings.

About Zaman International – Hope for Humanity

Zaman International is a non-profit organization committed to advancing the lives of marginalized women and children by empowering them to break the cycle of poverty. Founded as a grassroots group of volunteers in 1996, Zaman has grown to a world-class non-profit organization that has helped nearly 2.1 million people around the world. Operating from its 40,500 square-foot facility in Inkster, Zaman offers assistance ranging from basic necessities to life skills, education and vocational training. Internationally, Zaman collaborates with partners to assist those in need of clean water and relief from natural disasters. Learn more at zamaninternational.org.