Nassau Bakery Gives Autism Spectrum Adults 'Meaningful' Work

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — A bakery in Port Washington is hoping Port Washington holiday shoppers will help them with their mission this season: 100 percent of the Spectrum Bakes proceeds of the sales of their handmade granola products goes back to a unique mission. The bakery employs and trains adults on the autism spectrum to "create paid, meaningful, and inclusive employment opportunities."

The bakery, at 416 Main St., is also helping to address community hunger by partnering with Island Harvest and Feeding Westchester with its "Giving Bar" bundles donation campaign.

“We’re so proud to collaborate with Island Harvest and Feeding Westchester, two inspirational nonprofits who are fighting hunger insecurity in the same communities that Spectrum’s enterprises are located. Even better, we are offering people the opportunity to support two worthwhile causes: autism employment and the fight against hunger,” Susan Gernhart, Director of Marketing and Development for Spectrum Designs Foundation, told Patch.

Some statistics show that only one third to one half of adults on the autism spectrum are employed after high school.

Spectrum Bakes sell granola subscriptions as well as customized products like themed boxes with granola bars, gifts and chocolate treats.