Dr. Penn White at May Meeting

May is Celiac Awareness Month and the May meeting of GIG-Montgomery is three weeks away.  Mark your calendar now for this one, because our guest speaker will be Dr. Penn White of Capital City Gastroenterology.  You can read more about Dr. White on his website: http://www.ccgastro.net/

We have more on the agenda and I will be posting about those things in the coming weeks, but make sure you mark Thursday, May 26^th, from 6-7 p.m. on your calendar and come listen to Dr. White!

From Gluten Free Life with Jen

Important Event for Gluten Free Awareness  

I wanted to bring you up to speed on a major upcoming event that is raising awareness in the gluten-free community of the FDA's glaring lack of action on gluten-free food labeling under the 2004 Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act. This event taking place on May 4 in Washington, DC, will bring attention to their inaction at a VIP reception for Congress and FDA, as well as key leaders in the Gluten-Free community, where our community and industry are coming together to build the World's Tallest Gluten-Free Cake!

Go to 1in133.org site and sign the petition that has been signed by more than 5,000 people in just the last month. More than 2,000 letters have been sent from the site, too, to the FDA and to members of Congress.

I actively encourage anyone who eats gluten-free or who buys or prepares food from a gluten-free eater to visit the site and sign the petition and send letters to those in power. You can also make contributions in increments of $11.33 for each gluten-free eater you care about.

This message from Jen Cafferty of Gluten Free Life with Jen

The Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook

There was one giveaway at the April meeting—a copy of “the Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook” by Elana Amersterdam, which was published in 2009.  Congratulations to Shirley Duffy!  At a future meeting, we should have a recipe swap of our favorites.

Elena Amersterdam is the popular food blogger of Elana's Pantry.  On her website she explains that both she and her son have celiac.  Last week her brand new “Gluten-Free Cupcakes” cookbook was published and she has already sent a copy for our group to give away in another drawing.  One recipe I would love to try is “Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes” that calls for coconut flour instead of almond flour (which can be expensive).  So we will give this cookbook away at the May meeting—must be present to win!   

Many Thanks to Jason’s Deli!

Those able to attend the April meeting were treated to quite a spread from Jason’s Deli.  There was a large tray of multiple types of sandwiches, all on Udi’s gluten-free bread.  We also enjoyed two different salads, one of which is new on the menu and is wonderful—the Chicken Club Salad.  There are even more options at the restaurant, including four varieties of soups and three potato options.

When you order at the restaurant, remember to alert the cashier that it is a gluten free order.  At least at the Montgomery restaurant, the new policy at Jason’s Deli is that a manager on duty will personally handle gluten free orders.

We also passed out the new, sturdy GF menus at the meeting.  We have some left and will bring them to the May meeting, so if you did not get one be sure to see Ruth or me.  And thank the manager on duty the next time you are there for Jason’s support of the gluten free community!

Easter Candy

The “G-Free foodie” blogger has done quite a bit of research about GF Easter Candy.  Thanks for all the information!

April Meeting

We are less than one week away from our April meeting!  Remember to bring your favorite (shelf-stable) gluten-free product(s) to show attendees.  If you have a favorite refrigerated or frozen product, you can either bring the label or just write down the product information.  We will compile a list of all your favorites and send that out to members via email.  Let’s share, learn, and make life a little easier for everyone.

Thinking about coming for the first time?  Know someone who has to avoid gluten but has not come to a meeting?  Tell them that memberships are a bargain at $10/year.  Besides the discount at Health Wise Foods, many companies are eager to send samples of their products to our group members.  Remember that we will be treated to gluten free fare from Jason’s Deli at next week’s meeting, 4/28 (6-7 p.m.).

Over 60?

The Gluten Intolerance Group of North America, in cooperation with the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, has compiled a brochure specifically for those over age 60.  Here is the direct link: http://www.gluten.net/downloads/print/Over60brochure.pdf

Health Wise Foods

Have you been to Health Wise Foods lately?  The gluten free products section has been greatly expanded and Steve has plans for even more offerings.  I love that our membership card means 10 percent savings every time!  As I shopped today, the IRS tax filing deadline day, I was struck by the thought that the GIG-Montgomery membership card basically paid for the taxes on my purchase!