1,000+ Brave Snow for Gluten-Free Day

The weather outside’s delightful!

Well, maybe not.

That didn’t deter a band of stalwart volunteers from representing the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) at the first Wheat-Free & Gluten-Fee Day at Weavers Way Co-op on Saturday, January 29^th.

Joanne Gallagher, Annsley Klehr and Nicole Seitz slogged their way through snow and slush to arrive at the Weavers Way location in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia. Loaded down with information about celiac disease and gluten intolerance, these three knowledgeable gals set up camp from noon until 4 PM in this lovely new store.

Weavers Way storefront – before the snow!

What a day!

Well over 1,000 Weavers Way members and shoppers swarmed the store in spite of the weather and the related parking chaos on Germantown Avenue.  As it turns out, a large number of co-op members visiting that day are on special needs diets. NFCA’s information about the gluten-free diet fit the bill perfectly.  Joanne reported to the store manager, “We met so many of your members who live with restrictive diets and were interested in the resources NFCA has to offer.”  Truly gratifying!

Joanne, Annsley and Nicole are all personally familiar with living a gluten-free lifestyle and were able to discuss the “ins and outs” of shopping for gluten-free food in today’s marketplace. The Weavers Way staff was very accommodating and friendly, making it a pleasure to be there.

Who doesn't love free samples?

Store visitors had lots of gluten-free treats to try, with free samples from a variety of suppliers including local Amaranth Bakery from Lancaster, PA, as well as national manufacturers like Glutino, Nature’s Path, Mary’s Gone Crackers and Blue Diamond Crackers. They also offered a selection of wheat-free and gluten-free dips and spreads from Weavers Way’s acclaimed Prepared Foods Department.

Check out the raffle prize!

Weavers Way topped off the Wheat-Free & Gluten-Free Day celebration with a fabulous raffle basket full of gluten-free delights from the store. The proceeds went to NFCA to help us meet our mission of gaining a diagnosis for 1 million Americans by 2015. We are most grateful!

The event was so successful that Kim Spelman-Hall, Weavers Way Chestnut Hill Store Manager, plans to hold another event like this in the future. “Our celiac shoppers were very pleased.” NFCA will be there!

It was a GREAT day!

Weavers Way Co-Op has three locations:

• 8424 Germantown Avenue
  Philadelphia, PA 19118
  215-843-2350
• 559 Carpenter Lane
  Philadelphia, PA 19119
  215-843-2350
• 2129 72^nd Avenue
  Philadelphia, PA 19138

– Nancy

If you’re planning a gluten-free event, submit the details to NFCA for a free event listing on CeliacCentral.org.

There are a variety of ways to help the celiac cause. Submit NFCA’s Volunteer form today to find out more.