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Homeboy Industries Salsa, Chips For Sale At SoCal Ralphs Stores

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Homeboy Industries original salsa and tortilla chips are now available at Ralphs grocery stores across Southern California.

Homeboy Salsa and Homeboy Tortilla Chips were created by Chef Pati Zarate in a variety of traditional and authentic Mexican flavors, including Morita, Mango, Salsa Verde, Pico de Gallo (mild and hot) and Mole.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said he was partial to the Morita salsa.

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The nonprofit's founder, Father Greg Boyle, said he was inspired by the late actor Paul Newman, whose "Newman's Own" products funded nonprofit organizations.

Homeboy Industries has been struggling financially during the recession because of dwindling donations.

Founded in 1992, Homeboy Industries provides at-risk youth and former gang members with counseling, tutoring, mental health care, tattoo removal and employment. Its motto: "Nothing stops a bullet like a job."

Through the creation of several small businesses, hard-to-place individuals have a chance to thrive in a safe, supportive environment where they can learn both job skills, Boyle said. To date, Homeboy Industries has rehabilitated about 12,000 gang members.

The businesses include Homeboy Bakery, Homegirl Cafe & Catering, Homeboy Merchandise and Homeboy Silkscreen and Embroidery. Future ventures include a branch of Homegirl Cafe at LAX and a Homeboy Market at City Hall.

(©2010 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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