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Health & Fitness

The People in Your Neighborhood: Mattison's Specialty Bread

A brief chat with a local bread company which sells wholesome foods and has a generous spirit

For 21 years, the Mattison family has provided wholesome bread to Woodbury and the surrounding southeast area.  

Mattison’s Specialty Bread is a quintessential small family business where the craft of baking and selling bread is a family affair. Mattison’s employs six, all of whom are family or close friends. 

I chatted with Josh Mattison, son of the founder James Mattison, while visiting the St. Paul Farmers Market at City Walk (Wednesdays from 3:30-6:30).  

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Josh was the gracious, down-to-earth sort of person one feels good about doing business with. While conducting the interview, Josh politely asked to be excused so he could assist another vendor struggling to put her tent up; it was a hot 90 plus degrees and Josh was not going to let the poor gal bake in the sun. Josh then insisted that I take his jugs of water and give them to my two children as they were turning more red by the minute.

Back to the bread. 

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Jason Mattison began the company in his home in response to lactose intolerance issues within the family. Jason’s solution: bread and baked goods free of sugar, preservatives and dairy.  

“We had no idea that the bread we were baking was considered ‘vegan’ or that there was even a demand for such a product," lamented Josh Mattison.  

Soon enough, more and more folks began requesting the vegan bread and thus the family project evolved from a love of baking good foods to an around-the clock business. 

Based out of Oakdale, Mattison’s bakes a variety of breads including jalapeno cheddar, rustic, and multi-grain. Additionally, Mattison’s is known for its buns- apple and cheddar, that is.  

“We use local ingredients such as herbs, apples, and cheese and support local farmers whenever possible," said Mattison. Each loaf is hand made the night before morning distribution.

When asked why folks in Woodbury should support local business like Mattison’s, Josh was quick to point out that purchasing Mattison products supports six jobs and feeds a number of children.  

The bread that is not sold is donated to children of various Oakdale neighborhoods, many of whom do not have access to to fresh and natural foods.  

While conducting the interview, a woman asked about the price of the cookies. Josh responded that the cookies cost $1.25 each. The woman said, “How about five for five—I have five children at home and do not have a lot of money." 

Without missing a beat, Josh replied, “Of course." 

Within the 30 minutes I spent with Josh Mattison, I witnessed a lot of kind acts and am confident that his attitude is representative of what Mattison’s Specialty Bread stands for. Next time you buy bread for your family, consider the the impact of your money spent.

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