JetBlue Gets Cooking With Hot Bread Kitchen -- A Social Enterprise Bakery That Empowers Women to Build Economic Security

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - August 31, 2015) - JetBlue Airways (NASDAQ: JBLU) today announced New York City-based Hot Bread Kitchen as the first winner of its "BlueBud" business mentoring program. Hot Bread Kitchen builds lasting economic security for foreign-born and low-income women by introducing them to professional opportunities in the culinary industry.

The bakery will receive mentorship, special access to JetBlue's business leaders and the airline's unique product development culture, as well as valuable industry insights. JetBlue is offering Hot Bread Kitchen a unique opportunity to learn what it takes to get their bakery and products into the aviation space.

The initial BlueBud (buddies + budding new companies) initiative is focused on responsible food offerings, and taps into JetBlue's reputation for offering distinct, whole food and responsible onboard food options. Guided by the airline's mission of inspiring humanity, BlueBud was designed as a way for JetBlue to connect with diverse suppliers starting with environmentally and socially responsible food companies and start-ups that have similar responsible practices.

This year's mentee selection will stimulate economic diversity as Hot Bread Kitchen works to create pathways to employment for women from diverse backgrounds. The partnership will ideally increase awareness for the bakery, ultimately impacting profits. Applicants for the first BlueBud program included small food companies that are creating unique and novel concepts.

"Both JetBlue and Hot Bread Kitchen are merging innovation and customer experience with social impact," said Sophia Mendelsohn, JetBlue's head of sustainability. "Our airline started in New York. Through our first BlueBud initiative, we will provide Hot Bread Kitchen with an inside look at our unique culture and food and beverage program. Our overall goal is to support a diverse range of companies and whole food products made right here in New York State. Not only will this partnership help Hot Bread Kitchen prosper, it will ultimately have a direct impact benefitting immigrant and low-income women as they prepare to enter the workforce."