Luv Michael, a non-profit based in Port Washington, uses the finest quality organic ingredients possible and their granola is gluten-free and nut-free!
Any time we hear about a company that’s doing amazing things for our local Long Island communities, we want to know more about it. And if they support people and causes that are near and dear to our hearts, well then we help raise awareness about them too.
Such is the case with Luv Michael, a non-profit that was inspired by Michael Kessaris, an 18-year-old with autism who has a passion for cooking. But unfortunately, without a high school diploma, he couldn’t follow his dreams and enroll in culinary school.
So Michael’s parents, both physicians, Lisa Liberatore, MD and Dimitri Kessaris, MD, helped create this food based business so that their son and others with autism would be active participants in society and lead happy productive lives.
Based in Port Washington, Luv Michael uses the finest quality organic ingredients possible and every bite delivers just the right amount of yum to give you a tasty, healthy way to get through your day. Plus, their organic granola scores extra points for being gluten-free and nut-free!
The best part about their granola is that each batch is hand mixed and packed by hard working individuals with Autism who they like to refer to as their “Granologists.” By empowering “Granologists” with living wages and independent life skills, Luv Michael is able to deliver a product that tastes good and does good too!
So far, success has been sweet for Luv Michael. The 2-ounce snackable Original Granola can be found in all New York Fresh & Co., Café Metro and Wild by Nature stores as well as select Starbucks and at local stores in Southampton, New York and throughout Delaware. Luv Michael is expanding daily with hopes of sharing the LUV in all 50 states.
We brought our sample bag along with us for a recent hike in our favorite wooded park. My son kindly shared a “pinch” with me and than ate the rest of the bag himself. All that was left was crumbs and sticky fingers, which is a true sign just how tasty their granola is. I can’t wait to pick up another bag at our favorite Wild By Nature store. And when I do, I’ll be hiding it in the cupboard so I can enjoy it with some yogurt and fresh fruit!
Help Luv Michael Share the Luv at LuvMichael.com
Luv Michael’s mission is to provide meaningful vocational training for the autistic population and to produce exceptional gluten-free and natural products. Luv Michael educates, trains and employs individuals with autism. As a non-profit, Luv Michael is grateful for all tax deductible donations big and small. Every bag of granola purchased and every dollar donated is another piece of the puzzle to helping educate, train and employ individuals with autism.
Luv Michael Pilot Program in Manhasset, NY
Luv Michael is creating a workforce development program for adults living with autism and other developmental disabilities, transitioning out of the existing educational system. Participants enroll in Luv Michael’s Employment & Independent Living program, consisting of traditional academic education, business development, fitness & nutrition, and the opportunity to become certified in ServSafe.
Background on the Need
According to the Center for Disease Control, autism is the fastest growing developmental disability. In the United States, 500,000 teens with autism will age into adulthood over the next decade. With the disability affecting 1 in 68 births and rising, employment for the maturing autistic population has become an increasingly significant challenge for many. The success of Luv Michael is even more compelling, considering that employment for those on the autistic spectrum is lowest among those with disabilities. 90% of adults with autism are underemployed or unemployed.
Thanks for helping Share The LUV!
Denine
To find out more, follow #luvmichael on Facebook and Twitter. Don’t forget to read their write up in The Long Island Pulse here.
We received a sample bag of Luv Michael organic granola to facilitate this review. Powered by Brandbacker, but all opinions are 100% our own. #LuvMichaelCo
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