Frugal Fork

I am happy to announce that I have merged my blog and my podcast into one new site. For all my latest posts please visit my new website FrugalFork.com

See you there. :-)

Gluten Free at Chick-Fil-A

Chick-fil-A was the "hip" place to hang out when I was in high school, but I was not part of that crowd. Dispute knowing they have a list of gluten free options on their website, I have truthfully never actually dined at Chick-fil-A. Mainly that is because they are not conveniently located for me and not because I did not see them as a good option. More recently, this week they announced new gluten free, non-breaded chicken nuggets that are part of their new healthy children's meal.

Per their press release "Chick-fil-A's Grilled Nuggets, paired with the Fruit Cup and one-percent milk, is one of the most nutritious children’s meal combinations offered among any major fast food chain. The meal has only 210 calories and 3 grams of fat – reflecting an 86 percent cut in fat grams and a 56 percent calorie reduction compared with its previous offerings."

Now I want to go Chick-fil! 


You can read the full press release here.

  
Mark Baldwin Chick-fil-A, Inc.
(404) 684-8598
mark.baldwin@chick-fil-a.com

Kristal McKanders Jackson Spalding for Chick-fil-A
(404) 214-3558
kmckanders@jacksonspalding.com

San Diego Gluten Free Expo

This past weekend I went to San Diego for the Gluten Free Expo. I was the representative from my work, and I actually volunteered because I love the beach and have family in that area.  The expo was well publicized and organized.  I'm told roughly 3,000 people attended and other exhibitors like myself weren't anticipating that many folks and ran out of samples early.

I was hoping to be able to leave my table and socialize with some of the other vendors,  and check out some of the local bakeries in that area, but my time was very limited as the attendees just kept coming.  Overall it was a great day of meeting new people and sampling lots of treats.

Woodchuck Fan Commerical Contest

Woodchuck is a gluten free cider and they are running a big contest until November.

Woodchuck doesn't advertise but if they did… What would it look like? Chance to win $2000, $1500, or $1000.



Check out all the rules HERE!

FDA Ruling

A letter from the Celiac Disease Foundation

"Dear CDF Friend,

As you may already know, the Food and Drug Administration recently published its gluten-free labeling proposal, opening a consumer comments period through October 3, 2011.

Many individuals want to comment on the proposal but may not be sure of what to write or how to frame their comments or perhaps find it complicated to navigate through the process.  In an effort to help those who have requested some guidance, the American Celiac Disease Alliance(ACDA) in collaboration with many within the Celiac community, including Celiac Disease Foundation, has developed very useful resources for your information as follows:  1) a list of Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs); b) a letter focusing on several key points for which FDA is seeking comments; c) expert analysis of the safety assessment accompanying the FDA proposal by Dr. Stefano Guandalini, Medical Director of the Celiac Disease Center at the University of Chicago as well as a member of both CDF's Medical Advisory Board and ACDA. 

You are invited to sign on to the letter.  All responses and "signatory" names will be sent by ACDA to the FDA by the deadline of October 3rd.   Below are the links for the ACDA materials (posted on its "sister" site 1in133.org).  Please go to the links and take action about the vital issue of the gluten-free labeling ruling.

Letter
FAQ / Resources
Expert's Analysis

Thank you for being Champions of our collective mission by making your voice heard.

Sincerely,               

Marc Riches, President                         
CDF Board of Director      

Rita Hopkins, Executive Director             
CDF

p.s.  Remember to sign onto the letter and submit it prior to the October 3rd FDA deadline"

Columbus Foods New Slicing Facility

Blogging is a daily activity for me, a modern day journal if you will. Sometimes it's just a place to vent, and other times it's a place to inform, share, and inspire.  Today it's the later, as I get to share with you my exclusive look at the brand new Columbus Foods slicing and packaging facility located in Hayward, California. About two months ago I was sent a selection of their salami to review. All of their meats are gluten free, and while some do contain corn syrup, before I even saw their facility, I felt that this company truly cares about the quality of their product, and the taste reflects that.

Camp Celiac Summer 2011

Camp Celiac sign-ups start today! - registrations received between Feb. 1 and Feb. 14 will be given equal priority. Nice system - takes the edge off! Details below. Please address your camp and registration questions to campceliac@gmail.com.



For 2011 there will be TWO separate weeks of camp (each with a different group of campers):

• Week 1: Thurs, July 21st- Monday, July 25th, 2011
• Week 2: Monday, July 25th - Friday, July 29th, 2011

The second week of camp is designated for returning campers in case they want to attend the same week as their camp friends, but campers may give as a preference either week. Campers will only be allowed to attend one week and priority is given to campers from Northern California as well as to Northern California campers who have never attended Camp. Campers from Northern California can register anytime between Feb. 1 and Feb. 14 and will be given equal priority. Registration for counselors also opens on Feb. 1. Counselors can sign up for one or both sessions and priority is given to counselors restricted to a gluten free diet and non-parents. We always need male counselors. We are also looking for a camp MD for session one.

Jennifer Iscol
www.northbayceliacs.org

Zing Special

I previously wrote a post about Zing Bars and just wanted to pass along their winter deal. If you've tried them and like them, or have been wanting to try them, order online before Christmas day and save 20% by using the phrase ZINGHOLIDAY at time of checkout. Happy Holidays!

Gluten Free Breads and Spreads Tasting

Are you gluten free and having trouble finding the bread that's right for you? Then this is a MUST attend event! Stop by Gluten Free Specialty on Saturday October 23 between 2 and 4 pm taste 5-10 breads, including some new options, plus some easy spreads for you to pair with them for the holiday season.Taste freshly made spread options like Olive Pate, Hummus, Artichoke Dip, and more, all from local chef Mary Mieth. Recipes will be available. And if time’s not on your side, pre-made spread equivalents will be for sale.

When: Saturday October 23 2pm to 4pm
Where: Gluten Free Specialty 2612 J Street (26th & J)
$1 Ticket gets your foot in the door and your tastebuds dancing

Pumpkin Carving Contest

Pumpkin Carving Workshop and Contest
October 24 12-4pm!

All skill levels welcome! Dave's Pumpkin Patch in West Sacramento is sponsoring the first pumpkin carving contest at our local Gluten Free Store, Gluten Free Specialty. Space is limited; registration required. $20 a person, or $30 for a pair. Multiple Prizes! Best of Show will receive a $50 gift certificate to Gluten Free Specialty. If you know anything about pumpkins, you’ll want to wear an old t-shirt for this workshop. Basic pumpkin tools plus a pumpkin will be provided, but you can bring your own supplies. Photos will be taken and posted of the final creations for customers to vote on throughout the week. All ages are encouraged to participate! Creations considered “finished" when removed from premises.

Call to register over the phone- 916-442-5241 or visit the store in person: 2612 J Street, Sacramento 95816. Street parking only.

Gluten Free Fair Benicia, CA

I just wanted to pass along the word about a gluten free event that is coming up. I personally will be attending, and suggest other Sacramento residents carpool down. I mean free gluten free samples, the discovery of new products, bakeries, and more!- why would you miss that. Hope to see you there!

Cookies Galore- Sampling at Gluten Free Specialty

In honor of the holiday weekend Gluten Free Specialty is having a cookie sampling on July 3rd. They will be offering 1 free cookie per customer to the first 300 guests! What kind of cookies will you be tasting, you ask? The generous people at Pure Pantry in Escondido, CA have donated both dairy (contain eggs and butter) and non dairy (Spectrum Shortening and egg substitute) chocolate chip cookies for everyone to try. All of the companies products are gluten, dairy, casein, soy, nut and refined sugar free.

In addition the receive fresh bread delivery comes in Saturday morning around 11 am. Pick up a baguette, grab a container of fresh chicken or tuna salad from Confluence Kitchen in the fridge and have a delicious lunch downtown. Their pasta and green salads are delicious too!

Gluten Free Specialty will be open regular business hours on July 3 from 10-6pm, and is located at 2612 Street Suite 1, Sacramento, Ca 95816. Street parking- don't forget to pay the meter- if you're not familiar with the area you'll need to locate a green kiosk. The store will also be open limited hours on the 4th of July- 12pm-4pm- just in case you forgot something for your barbecue.

Gluten Free Care Package

May is one of the months that Celiac Awareness is promoted, and in honor of that the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness teamed up with Mambo Sprouts to help spread the word and awareness about celiac disease. I was one of the lucky bloggers to receive their gluten free care package. I love Puffins, and Crunchmaster crackers are pretty much a stable in the house, but the rest of the goodies were items I had seen on the shelf but never tried.

I started out by making up the chocolate chip cookies, and they were tasty, although a little flat. Then I moved on to the brownie mix, and they were slightly crunchy around the edges, but soft, and somewhat fudgy in the center. I added in nuts, and frosted them too, which made them even more delicious! I normally make brownies from scratch, but if I were in a pinch I would certainly buy the Gluten Free Pantry brownie mix.

A few days later I went to grab a Glutino breakfast bar, and to my surprise, saw that my husband had already tried them. They make these bars in blueberry, apple, cranberry, cherry, and I guess there newest flavor is strawberry! I had tired the apple breakfast bars when I first went gluten free, and they were ok, but they did not come an item I regularly bought. Now I had the opportunity to try them again, and even though they are a different flavor I still feel the same way: not enough fruit filling.

On to a sweet and salty snack: Glutino chocolate covered pretzels! As soon as I heard these were coming out I knew I was going to like them. The calorie count is high, and you really could eat the whole 5.5 oz bag in one sitting, say during a movie, so be careful, because 9 pretzels have 160 calories. By far my favorite item in the care package.

Gluten Free Research Study

Seeking Participants for a Research Study on Gluten-Free Claims on Food Labels

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is seeking adults diagnosed with celiac disease or gluten-intolerance or caregivers to such individuals to participate in a research study on their grocery shopping habits. Participants will be asked to take an Internet survey, which will take approximately 10 minutes to complete.

To take the survey please click here.

Please contact Katherine Kosa at kkosa@rti.org or 1-800-334-8571, extension 23901, if you have any questions about the study. To request a paper copy of the survey, please call 1-877-4GLUTN1.

Article about Gluten Free Diet in Sacramento Bee

So last Thursday wasn't any ordinary day at my work. Sure, I was dealing with the typical Thursday deliveries, a homeless guy, and newbies to the gluten free diet when Chris Macias and a photographer come into the store to ask us, the staff, and the customers about being on the gluten free diet. Yesterday the article was published, and since then our phone has pretty much been ringing off the hook at work.

Should you get Rid of Gluten?
By Chris Macias
Published in the Sacramento Bee Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010

Just ate a burger in a big, fat bun and now feel pretty "blah." That doesn't sound so unusual, but I'm also thinking how my appetite has fluctuated over the past few years, how my belly seems unsettled after a bowl of Shredded Wheat.

Do I need to go gluten-free? Gluten is a protein in wheat, rye and barley. If you have celiac disease, gluten in your diet sets off an autoimmune response that destroys villi in the small intestine, leading to gastrointestinal nightmares or worse. Left untreated, its malnutrition effects have been linked to intestinal cancer and liver disease.

There's a lot of digestive discomfort out there. According to a 2003 study in the Archives of Internal Medicine, one of every 133 Americans has celiac disease. I skim over some celiac disease symptoms listed in a pamphlet from the Celiac Sprue Association and wonder if I'm turning into a hypochondriac or truly need a screening:
Appetite changes
Inability to concentrate
Dehydration
Abdominal cramping... and some other discomforts that qualify as TMI (too much information)

In fact, about 300 symptoms are linked to celiac disease, making it tricky to diagnose. In some cases there may be no symptoms at all. I wonder how those who've gone gluten-free knew when it was time to make the change. I start by calling Elana Amsterdam, a former Davis resident who wrote "The Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook." She tells me:

"I had really bad digestion. I couldn't absorb anything, and I was losing weight. I was 30 years old, and this is classic in the medical literature: The onset of symptoms was triggered from a stressful event. I was pregnant, and that can be an autoimmune event. This is a nasty disease, not some little thing."

I've always been curious about the Gluten Free Specialty shop at 26th and J streets in midtown Sacramento – I bought a suit and a few shirts at the location when it was a boutique called DV8. But all that Ben Sherman and Hugo Boss gear has been replaced by gluten-free goods: pizza crusts, pasta, breads, cookies, cinnamon rolls from Azna Gluten Free bakery in Cameron Park, and more.

Melanie Weir runs the shop. She's embraced the gluten-free life for more than seven years and remembers when celiac stomach issues landed her in the emergency room. Her dermatitis, a skin manifestation of celiac disease, was once so bad that she took antihistamines daily. Going gluten-free helped Weir, and she hopes her shop will do the same for others.

It's the first time in the store for Molly Frazier. She's from Reno, visiting Sacramento on this day to renew her paramedic license. Before her trip, she searched the Web for "gluten-free and Sacramento" and learned of the store. Now she's carrying two bags of gluten-free goods, including bagels and soy sauce. I ask her why she went gluten-free:

"I'd had abdominal pain for about five years. I was tired, felt bloated and fatigued. I even had exploratory surgery. About a year and a half ago, I eliminated gluten from my diet, and within two weeks I was feeling better. It was amazing. I'm a vegetarian, so I'm used to eliminating things from my plate and seeing what else is available. At home, it was about making little changes, like having fruit or yogurt instead of toast or a bagel. The biggest change was going out to restaurants."

As someone who eats out at least three times a week, I realize going gluten-free would be tricky. So much for gnocchi at OneSpeed or even a Round Table pizza. No question about it, cooking gluten-free has reached the mainstream. According to a survey from the National Restaurant Association, gluten-free/food allergy-conscious cooking ranked No. 9 in a listing of 214 current food trends.

But what if you were a chef with celiac disease? Being surrounded by so much off-limits food could be tough. I get a tip that Peter Toomey, a chef at Mulvaney's Building & Loan, lives gluten-free:

"I'm 44 and have been 'cheffing' for 20-something years. Two years ago, I got cursed. For years, I'd felt kind of down and out, like Ugh, not feeling good. My wife was watching Oprah, and she did a whole show on celiac disease. They had a whole list of symptoms, and of the 10, I had eight or nine of them."

"Initially, changing my diet was tough because I like sandwiches, and burgers with buns, and pizza and pasta. But it turned out to be the best thing for me. I eat better now and live with a more natural diet. It can get tough when I'm cooking and have to taste foods. I get a stomachache now and then, but luckily I'm not that bad off."

It must be trying for parents whose kids have celiac disease. It's hard enough just to get my 7-year-old to eat his veggies or anything not in nugget form. Out of curiosity, I offer my son some gluten-free after-school snacks. Can he tell the difference? He chomps both the gluten-free pretzels and the sour candies and asks for more. Having a child with celiac disease can be heartbreaking and can lead to drastic changes in family life. I understand this after talking with Amanda Shaffer, a Sacramento mother of two.

"My 4-year-old daughter, Kira, has celiac disease. She was diagnosed at 18 months. At 12 months, she went from walking and happy to not walking and not wanting to be held, to not getting off the floor. … She had stopped eating by that point and was near death. She got diagnosed when we took her in, and the doctor immediately thought celiac disease."

"Autoimmune diseases run in my husband's side of the family, and the doctor said everyone should get tested. It turned out my sister-in-law tested positive, even though she didn't have any symptoms. We started my daughter on a gluten-free diet, and within five days she was standing again. For us, that was huge. … Learning to cook gluten-free – and keeping the kitchen and house free of cross-contamination – is almost like learning a foreign language. … It takes a good year to really get the hang of it. But afterward, it's pretty second-nature."

So I'm feeling much better that I probably don't have celiac disease and don't need to go gluten-free. Whew … but talking with everyone has brought an empathy for their condition. Finally, I call Dr. Jason Guardino, a gastroenterologist at Kaiser hospital in south Sacramento. I ask him to sum up the symptoms of celiac disease and when it's time to get tested.

"The classic symptoms are malabsorption, foul diarrhea, cramps and weight loss. Other symptoms include iron deficiency, anemia, and rarely there's a rash associated with celiac disease. "I see a lot of people who think they have celiac disease, but the vast majority don't. But historically, it has been underdiagnosed. Get a complete blood count during your annual physical. If those numbers are low, the doctor will work that up to (another round of tests). For those who are diagnosed, we also get them plenty of information consultations with a nutritionist. But I think you're going to be OK."

Fast Food Allergen Lists

Recently it was brought to my attention that Burger King has finally followed suit and added a food allergen list on their website. Now, when I went gluten free I gave up all fast food, except In 'n Out Burger, so much so, I'd drive past fast food joints every day, but when people would ask what was near my place, I had no clue.

Sometimes it can't be helped. You're out with a group, or stuck somewhere, and while it might not be the "cleanest " (meaning least likely place to make you sick) it's good to know there are some possible options. Thus I've put up a few flyers from different establishments, including what I'm considering the new campaign at Carl's Jr.: "Lose the Gluten, Gain the Salad."

Starbucks offers 9 Gluten Free Snacks

In 2009 Starbucks played with carrying a gluten free baked good, and they weren't happy with sales so they discounted the item. Now, just after the new year, the corporation has decided to introduce a variety of premade snack options for those who are gluten free. Sure these snacks all sound great, but not items I'd want or be looking for at Starbucks.

My personal opinion is that they've gone in the wrong direction. I don't think oh boy, tea and fruit snacks, or coffee and granola. What about comparable options that they are offering their non-gluten free consumers. Perhaps a gluten free premade biscotti, (Pamela's makes a great option), or dare I say a premade gluten free sandwich (Udi's is delicious & would hold up). Hey those are just my thoughts.

As for the snacks, here's the information straight from the source: Starbucks Newsroom Jan 6, 2010:

---

Annie’s Snacks
It’s comforting to know there are others out there who care as much as you do about what you eat. All you have to do is enjoy. Annie’s White Cheddar Bunnies and Snack Mix Bunnies are available in exclusive portion-controlled sizes for Starbucks and have just 130-150 calories per serving. Priced at $1 U.S.

FoodShouldTasteGood
We love the philosophy behind these distinctive chips: food tastes best when it’s made with quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation. Available in Multigrain, a distinctively nutty flavored chip made with flax, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds, and Sweet Potato, lightly sweetened with cane sugar to enhance the natural nuttiness of a sweet potato in a chip. Both varieties are 210 calories per 1.5 oz. serving size and provide 5g of fiber. Priced at $1.50 U.S.

KIND Bars
These bars with wholesome ingredients you can see and pronounce are the perfect grab-and-go snack, and just 170-190 calories. The bars are free of gluten, dairy and wheat. Available at participating Starbucks stores in the U.S. and Canada in Mango Macadamia, Almond Cashew, Fruit & Nut Delight, and Cranberry & Almond. Priced at $1.95 U.S.

Lucy’s Cookies
Lucy’s cookies were created for a child who has to be careful about what he eats by a mom who’s a doctor and thinks everyone deserves something good to snack on. These delicious cookies are baked without wheat, gluten, dairy milk, butter, eggs, casein, peanuts or tree nuts. Available in Chocolate Chip, Sugar and Cinnamon, each variety has just 120-130 calories per serving. Priced at $1.50 U.S. for Grab & Go Packs and $5.95 for a box you can share with friends and family.

Peeled Snacks®
When one woman invented yummy Peeled Snacks, she gave us permission to enjoy snacking again. Peeled Snacks use real fruit, bursting with flavor, to make a wholesome treat. With a full serving of fruit and just 130 calories or less per single-serving bag, they'll give you a nourishing boost that won't weigh you down. Available in organic much-ado-about-Mango, Apple-2-the-core, and all-natural Cherry-go-round varieties. Priced at $2.00 U.S.

Peter Rabbit Organics
Peter Rabbit Organics Fruit Pouches show kids, and parents too, that real fruit can be fun and delicious. Available in the Apple & Grape and Mango, Banana and Orange varieties, each pouch has 80-85 calories per pouch. Priced at $1.95 U.S.

Sahale Snacks®
After two friends hiking up Mt. Rainier found themselves craving a more satisfying snack, they decided to create these gourmet nuts. Sahale Snacks uses whole ingredients in their natural form -- such as cashews, almonds, pecans, macadamia nuts, and peanuts -- and combines them with dried fruits, then adds fabulous ingredients like organic orange blossom honey, lemongrass, or pure ground Madagascar vanilla beans. Available in Pomegranate Cashew, Soledad Nut Blend, and Barbeque Almonds, a blend created exclusively for Starbucks, each 2 oz. serving has just 140-150 calories. Priced at $2.50 U.S.

Stretch Island Fruit Company
Created by a family determined to make life sweeter for all of us, Stretch Island Fruit Company Original Fruit Leathers are real fruit, plain and simple. Every original Fruit Leather is equal to half a serving of fruit and has just 45 calories. Available at participating Starbucks stores in the U.S. and Canada in the Harvest Grape, Autumn Apple and Summer Strawberry varieties. Priced at $0.75 U.S.

Two Moms in the Raw
We hope you’re as inspired as we are by the journey one woman made when she (and some other moms) created these granolas. The granola mixes from Two Moms in the Raw are made to be 100% delicious. Available at participating Starbucks stores in the U.S. and Canada in two gluten-free varieties, Blueberry and Gojiberry, each of which is just 220 calories per serving. Priced at $3.95 U.S.

Prometheus Labs Creates At-Home Celiac Test

I received an email from Prometheus Labs yesterday that I wanted to share with all of you:

Celiac disease has over 300 symptoms and manifestations making it difficult for physicians to diagnose. 1 These symptoms and manifestations include IBS type symptoms, anemia, type 1 diabetes, migraines, rashes, thyroid disease, infertility, recurrent miscarriages, Down syndrome and many more. A significant association between maternal history of celiac disease and autism has been observed. 2 Statistically, people with celiac disease suffer for over eleven years and reach out to many physicians before receiving an accurate diagnosis.3

Additionally, many people with celiac disease state that celiac support group members are actually the source of their information about the disease. 4 Prometheus has been providing support and testing for people with suspected celiac disease for over ten years and understands the challenges involved. Due to these hurdles, Prometheus has created MyCeliacID™. This test is a saliva-based genetic test for celiac disease which can be taken in the privacy of your home and does not require your doctor to order (A licensed physician will however review your request, place the order and review your test results). The test can be ordered online and the test results will be received privately by email.

For the members of celiac support groups and their family and friends, Prometheus would like to offer this test at a discounted price of $229 if the test is ordered before February 28, 2010 by entering the Promotional Code “CeliacSupportGroups” when ordering the test online. There is no additional shipping and handling fee. Additional discounts can be taken for multiple family members. Please call 1 (800) 610-1525 for more information. As a courtesy, please contact us at 1 (800) 610-1525 or send us an email to provide feedback, suggestions, current contact information – or if you or anyone in your group have questions which are not answered on the website.

1 Cleo J. Libonati, RN, BSN Recognizing Celiac Disease Signs, Symptoms, Associated Disorders and Complications. Fort Washington, PA, USA: Gluten Free Works Publishing, 2006
2 Hjördís Ó. Atladóttir, BMa, Marianne G. Pedersen, et al. Association of Family History of Autoimmune Diseases and Autism Spectrum Disorders PEDIATRICS Vol. 124 No. 2 August 2009, pp. 687-694 (doi:10.1542/peds.2008-2445
3 Green PHR, Stavropoulos SN, Panagi SG, et al. Characteristics of adult celiac disease in the USA: results of a national survey. AmJ Gastroenterol. 2001;96:126-131 (page 127)
4 Green PHR, Stavropoulos SN, Panagi SG, et al. Characteristics of adult celiac disease in the USA: results of a national survey. AmJ Gastroenterol. 2001;96:126-131 (page 128)

Robin Shaver,
National Account Manager
Prometheus T&D

Gift Ideas for those who are Gluten Free

Our local gluten free store in Sacramento has come up with a cool concept for the holiday season: GF Food Grab Bags! As a part time craft vendor I am always amazed at how fast grab bags go. I've sold them for $1- $10, and they always go fast. It must be something about the thrill & surprise of the unknown.

So let's say you just found out a friend, or family member just discovered he/she is allergic to gluten, dairy, or nuts. You want to help easy their transition, but need product recommendations. Why not buy them a GF Food Grab Bag! Gluten Free Specialty is offering several Holiday Grab Bags, which will include foods that fit your specified needs, and are staff recommended. All the work and worry is taken off your shoulders. Check out their holiday specials section to find the right grab bag for you!

And if grab bags don't interest you, how about buying your cookbooks and allergy-friendly guides from a small, local California business, instead of those large bookstore chains. I recently found out that Gluten Free Specialty is offering 20% off all preorders on books, or free shipping to your home. Your choice. In my opinion one can never have too many cookbooks :-) Some titles I recommend include:

• 125 Best Gluten Free Recipes
• Cooking for Celiacs, Colitis, Crohns, & IBS
• Sweet Alternative
• Food Allergy Survival Guide
• The Gluten Connection
  

Donate money to Project Dipstick

For about the last month or so I have been working with both CSA (Celiac Sprue Association Ch 24) and GFS (Gluten Free Specialty) on raising money for Celiac Research. On Sunday we started our fundraiser which will run until December 12. We are asking people to make a $5 donation, which will entry them into a drawing with a chance to win a gigantic gluten free basket, valued at $250+ and weighing a whopping 44lbs! There are lots of great goodies inside, from snack foods to personal care products to gift cards to local restaurants that offer gluten free menu items.

All the money raised will go towards "Project Dipstick." This research program's goal is create some sort of hand held item that will help both the consumer and the manufacturer to easily test product and determine if it is indeed gluten free. Wouldn't that be great? I imagine something like a meat thermometer or pregnancy test; easy to carry with you, good for multiple use (like a meat thermometer, not a pregnancy test!) , and with a small LCD display, all for the cost of say $40 or less. I'd go for something like that, wouldn't you?

So if you live in the Sacramento area, I'm asking you to pop into Gluten Free Specialty at 26th and J in downtown Sacramento and make a tax deductible donation today. The winner of the basket will be announced at the CSA Ch 24 December Potluck on the 13th between 1:30pm and 4:00pm. You do not need to be present to win, but it would be nice to see you there.

For all the details please see the Official Donation Flyer below.