Our story
The journey of The Mindful Mouthful is one of passion, purpose, and community. Read on to learn how our bakery came to be and the values that drive us every day.
Our mission
The Mindful Mouthful is more than just a bakery. Inclusive employment is at the heart of who we are, and we are committed to excellence in all we produce. Whether you are a loyal customer, or this is your first time hearing about The Mindful Mouthful, it is always the right time to have one of our delicious baked goods. "Just take a bite. You'll see."

Our commitments
- Baking exceptional food for years: we craft mouth-watering handmade baked goods using the best local ingredients.
- Building inclusive communities: we model all that inclusive employment can be and offer rich and meaningful jobs for passionate, talented adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Supporting local: we shop locally and directly support farmers and producers in our region. Choosing The Mindful Mouthful helps the local economy thrive and reduces environmental impact.
Our beginning
The Mindful Mouthful is one of Clements Centre's flagship programs. As a social enterprise – a business with social purpose – its success is inspiring, and its potential is boundless.
How did we come to be where we are today, and what is The Mindful Mouthful’s history?
Many years ago, Clements Centre ran a program known as Lunch on Clements, in which enriching bakery-related activities were carried out on a volunteer basis by individuals with developmental disabilities. Those involved in Lunch on Clements produced many fine products that were appreciated throughout the community; the bakers received an honourarium for their work.
Over time, it became clear that consistently creating products the community loved meant we had real potential to develop a viable business. In 2015, we launched The Mindful Mouthful social enterprise, creating renowned baked goods and offering new and exciting inclusive employment opportunities in our community. Each member of The Mindful Mouthful team is a full, respected, and properly compensated employee of Clements Centre. Their talent, commitment, and hard work is at the heart of our buzzing business. Every delicious bite you take is thanks to our team.
Social enterprises like The Mindful Mouthful offer critical employment opportunities in a world in which barriers still exist. This is a place of pride, belonging, identity, and a professional home where our bakers gain the clear sense of purpose that employment gives to us all. You can taste the love in every bite.

Looking forward
As we continue to grow, we remain committed to our mission. We are excited to expand our product offerings, build deeper relationships with our community, and explore new ways to make a positive impact throughout southern Vancouver Island and beyond.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Every purchase you make supports inclusive employment and a thriving local economy.