Community Highlights: Meet Erica Pivinski of A&G Granola in the Raw

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Pivinski.

Hi Erica, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have always loved to cook, even when I was a small child. The kitchen has always been my happy place. Now that I have two kids, being in the kitchen, cooking and creating with them is one of my favorite things to do. When we cook together, my kids are much more likely to try new foods or eat what they’ve ‘made’, so I’m always focused on finding or creating healthy recipes that taste good.

My son is a super picky eater who loves to eat cereal (in particular granola) and snacks. I was desperate to find a nutrient-dense, healthy option for him that would actually fill him up. Each time I visited the grocery store, I struggled to find a cereal or granola that incorporated nutritious ingredients or wasn’t filled with additives or sugar. So I decided to create my own. I began A&G Granola in the Raw with my kiddos at heart and my clean eating food philosophy in mind. My granola is made with a combination of organic and raw ingredients and has zero additives or refined sugar.

A&G Granola in the Raw is created from scratch and made in small batches with the idea of health at heart. My children and my desire to feed them wholesome, clean foods inspired this recipe. I wanted both my kids represented in the product name. The “A” is for my daughter, Addie, and the “G” is for my son, Grayson.

My kids loved my granola, and I loved that I knew I was feeding them something I felt really good about them eating. My picky eater even began requesting it, asking for ‘Gray’s Granola’. I started making my granola for gatherings and holiday gifts for friends. Each and every person reached out for the recipe. I love to share, but this labor of love is a secret of mine.

I began offering A&G Granola in the Raw for purchase to friends in 2020 and through word of mouth and recommendations, it grew from there. My passion is making healthy and clean foods people feel good about eating and genuinely enjoy. I want this to be a snack or part of a meal that you can feel good about serving to your family.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I started A&G Granola in the Raw during the pandemic which was a tricky time to start a business. There wasn’t a way to offer samples or pop up at local places. My loyal granola customers were incredibly supportive and continued to order via porch pick-up. My kiddos and I began to find ways to give back to the local community through granola. There were small ways we could share the granola love with those in need around KC.

We’ve been impressed with A&G Granola in the Raw, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My granola is plant-based, made of nuts and seeds, with zero additives or refined sugar. There are no oats in A&G Granola in the Raw, which is a typical filler in most granolas you see on the market today. Absolutely no junk – you won’t find dyes, artificial ingredients, refined sugar or GMOs. It’s also gluten, dairy, peanut and grain-free, made from clean, pure and raw ingredients.

The thing I love most about it is the versatility of how you can enjoy it. It’s perfect with yogurt and berries as a parfait, tossed in a bowl with your favorite milk as a cereal, as a salad topping for a bit of texture and crunch, atop nut butter and apple slices or as a sweet treat topping on ice cream or froyo. It goes great on a charcuterie board, or as a lot of my customers tell me, straight from the bag by the handfuls!

As of now, I offer one original flavor and a special holiday mix in December. I also create and offer gift tags to celebrate holidays and events, such as Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, etc. This seasonal packaging makes A&G Granola a ready to go gift. I have a few things up my sleeve, so be sure to follow me to keep in the know.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Giving back to the local community and teaching my kids how to give back is so important to me. There are so many amazing organizations right here in our backyard that need our love and support. Granola for Good is a way that I can give back to others. We have donated A&G Granola in the Raw to local teachers for their hard and selfless work during the 2020-2021 school year, and most recently the homeless community through Care Beyond the Boulevard. We are always looking at different organizations and opportunities to share A&G Granola in the Raw with so we can spread the love throughout our community.

My passion is making healthy and clean foods people feel good about eating and genuinely enjoy. I want this to be a snack or part of a meal that you can feel good about serving to your family.

Pricing:

• Standard 10 oz bag, $10 per bag
• Mini 5 oz bag, $5 per bag

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.granolaintheraw.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/granolaintheraw/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/granolaintheraw

Image Credits
Kristin McCoppin of Pond Photography Kate Mundo (photo of me in the kitchen)