Full of fiber, whole grains, omega-3 fatty acids, and plenty of vitamins and minerals, granola is a great snack to top off your açai bowls, yogurt parfaits, incorporate into a nutritious breakfast, or just snack on on its own. But, TriBeCa's newest addition, Luv Michael granola contains an extra ingredient that you just can't get by making your own at home: love.
Why Love Michael?
Not only do they serve up delicious organic, gluten-free and nut-free granola options without chemicals and allergens, Luv Michael granola is handmade in small batches by individuals diagnosed with Autism. Luv Michael was founded by Michael Kessaris as part of a movement to create job opportunities for people, like him, who live with Autism.
1 in 68 people are directly affected by Autism, yet Michael still struggled to find a career where he could pursue his passion for cooking without completing high school first. With the help of his parents, Michael started Luv Michael, a 501c 3 non-profit organization in 2015 so he could live out his culinary dreams while creating jobs and awareness.
With Luv Michael granola, Michael helps motivate those with Autism to feel valued and happy by making a contribution to society in a tolerant, welcoming environment while earning an income. Luv Michael facilities are complete with quiet rooms and classrooms where "grainiologists" can learn to make granola at their own pace in an environment that suits their needs.
Luv Michael serves up granola that is hand mixed, hand packed, and fully organic, made with gluten free rolled oats. Their website describes the granola as having a cinnamon and vanilla flavor profile, packed with dried cranberries, flax seeds and sunflower seeds, so it's not only full of flavor, but antioxidants, vitamin E and B-complex too.
Since Luv Michael granola is made without harmful toxins, allergens and chemicals, it also provides a healthy alternative for those with Autism, which studies have shown are beneficial to people with Autistic symptoms. Studies show that sticking to a dairy, casein and gluten free diet result in vast improvement in a person's behavior and Autistic symptoms.
Where to Buy:
You might've already tried Luv Michael granola without even realizing. Luv Michael granola is stocked at every D'Agostino Supermarket, fresh&co, Gristedes Neighborhood Grocers, and Cafe Metro location, 11 Starbucks throughout Long Island, and 60 other retailers throughout New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Delaware.
Luv Michael is now opening their own independent location right in the heart of TriBeCa. Soon you can find your very own Luv Michael granola at 42 Walker Street New York, New York once they open their doors.
How to Buy
If you're not in NYC, don't worry! You can always buy Luv Michael granola online. Their goal is to reach all 50 states soon, so stay on the lookout for a Luv Michael coming near you soon.
They even offer a monthly subscription service, where you can sign up to receive 10 2oz. bags of Luv Michael granola each month for $22.00 (free shipping too!) or just place a one-time order for all of your granola needs. Use it the next time you're making chia seed pudding, crumble it on top of some creamy frozen yogurt, or just grab a bar on your way to class.
All proceeds directly assist Luv Michael in providing jobs for individuals with Autism. If you're interested in donating to Luv Michael, you can do so here.
What's Not to Luv?
A non-profit that provides jobs for people with Autism while making delicious, healthy granola...what's not to love? Make sure you show Luv Michael some love by following along on their journey to stay up-to-date on all things Luv Michael as they bring their mission to TriBeCa.