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Poveromo is just more than a year into running “Brittany’s Kitchen” out of rented, commercial space in Englewood, which she credits to her son's diagnosis of mild autism.
"I wanted to break down and cry," said the former Garfield bartender.
"But I didn't — instead I did this."
Poveromo Jack, now almost 4, on a gluten-and-dairy-free diet even before he was diagnosed. But after a nutritionist suggested eliminating processed food, everything changed, Poveromo said.
"That night I went into my kitchen and threw out anything that was packaged," she said. "I started making everything from scratch and did so much research."
“It cost me a pretty penny, but I knew it’s for him — so I had no choice.”
Poveromo posted some of the meals she made to Facebook and soon enough, people began inquiring for themselves.
“Is that really gluten-free?” they’d say.“Would you ever consider selling?”
Poveromo caters to people with special needs diets and extreme sensitivities, but will cook anything for anyone.
She recently started a local support group on Facebook for parents of special needs children, too. Poveromo offers face-to-face consultations to help them find doctors, help with nutrition and answer any questions they may have around their child's diagnosis.
In the kitchen, Poveromo makes anything dairy-free, nut-free, egg-free, sodium-free and more. She will even take special requests for people on paleo, vegetarian or vegan diets.
What she won't make is an exception.
“I’m not going to chance cross-contamination,” she said. “I don’t take shortcuts.”
Poveromo and Jack's father — who she is not in a relationship with but has been very supportive and involved, she said — has noticed a positive difference in the toddler's functioning.
He’s been sleeping through the night. He’s making better progress with his speech.
The once-picky eater now happily snacks on anything his mom makes him, and he’s not the only one.
Poveromo makes deliveries across Bergen and Passaic counties.
Call (201) 615-2548 to order.
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