Celiac Aware Cities 2010

Each day, the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) receives Brochure Requests from support groups, clinics and individuals looking to spread the word about celiac disease and the gluten-free lifestyle. After years of boxing and shipping "Do I Have Celiac?" brochures, we began to wonder: Which cities are making the most requests?

So, we tracked our requests, analyzed records and came up with the top 5 Celiac Aware Cities, based on the volume of brochures requested in 2010:

To honor these cities, we took a look at the celiac and gluten-free culture in each region, including. We even threw in What's Next for celiac awareness in each locale. We're not saying these factors played a direct role in making these areas so ambitious in their brochure distribution, but they certainly don't hurt.

Read on to learn all about what makes these cities tick. At the end of this report, we'll give you a preview of who's on top for 2011. Plus, we'll explain how to request brochures (and where you can distribute them) to help your city get in the running.

SPOTLIGHT ON: Baltimore, MD (Chesapeake MD/VA region)

Support Groups:

In addition to the active DC listserv, the Baltimore area has a number of support groups to offer guidance and drive awareness.

Hospitals/Providers:

No surprises here! Baltimore is home to The University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research and esteemed physician Alessio Fasano, MD, who was recently awarded a $45 million donation to expand his celiac disease research.

Patients have also reported excellent experiences with:

Food Scene:

The Chesapeake MD/VA region is no stranger to gluten-free dining. The area was named "World's Most Celiac-Friendly Destination" based on 2010 reviews on GlutenFreeTravelSite.com.

Restaurants

When it comes to gluten-free food, Lebanese Taverna has banned the bland. The restaurant offers delicious Middle Eastern food at six locations in the Baltimore and DC area, and as graduates of NFCA's GREAT Kitchens program, they know how to serve gluten-free safely. Online reviews applaud the staff for their careful and knowledgeable gluten-free food prep.

Honorable mentions:

Products

Ask where to go for dessert in Baltimore and chances are you'll be directed to Sweet Sin Bakery. The GREAT-trained shop has desserts so divine they're considered a "must-eat" for any visitor, gluten-free or otherwise.

Maryland-based Jules GlutenFree Flour may soon become a household name. The company's founder, Jules Shepard, is a ubiquitous presence on the gluten-free scene, and her helpful holiday ebooks have helped novices embrace gluten-free baking.

Bloggers/Media:

With so much going on in the medical and dining scenes, Baltimore is a fruitful place to blog. Fortunately, there's a dedicated bunch covering all that's gluten-free.

As home to UMD's Center for Celiac Research (and Dr. Fasano), Baltimore enjoys a steady stream of media interest.

Events:

Jules Shepard teamed up with NFCA Athlete for Awareness John Forberger to organize the Gluten- Free Food Labeling Summit, held on May 4 in Washington, DC. Among the features: the world's tallest gluten-free cake - proof that gluten-free labeling is a big deal.

What's Next?

Natural Products Expo East returns to Baltimore in September 2011. You can bet that gluten-free items will be in abundance, as the market for celiac-friendly options continues to grow.

SPOTLIGHT ON: Chicago, IL

Support Groups:

Chicago may be a hub for medical conferences and foodservice shows, but grassroots efforts by local celiac and gluten-free advocates ensure it's a topic of discussion year-round.

Hospitals/Providers:

Home to one of only a handful of celiac centers in the country, it makes sense that Chicago tops the list as a Celiac Aware City.

Food Scene:

Restaurants

The Berghoff Restaurant may be one of the oldest restaurants in Chicago, but it's keeping up with the times. Owner Carolyn Berghoff completed gluten-free training through NFCA's GREAT Kitchens after her daughter was diagnosed with celiac disease.

Honorable mentions:

Products

Swirlz Cupcakes, located in the Lincoln Park section of Chicago, is reported to be the place to go for a gluten-free dessert.

Kim & Scotts Gourmet Pretzels, also located in Lincoln Park, just added a gluten-free soft pretzel to their product line. Those lucky to be in the Chicago area can now enjoy a gluten-free pretzel sandwich at the company's storefront, Café Twist.

Bloggers/Media:

Chicago has a robust community of bloggers covering the celiac and gluten-free scene.

Celiac awareness also infiltrated the mainstream media. In October 2010, the Chicago Tribune released a special report on celiac disease. "Your Guide to the GlutenFree Lifestyle" featured articles from NFCA and the American Dietetic Association, and brought awareness of celiac disease to the general public.

Events:

With a sprawling convention center and abundant modes of transportation, Chicago is a natural fit for many large-scale events. The Gluten-Free & Allergen Free Expo and National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show are annual gatherings. In 2010, NFCA hosted the first Gluten-Free Pavilion at the NRA Show, bringing celiac awareness to the table.

What's Next?

NFCA returns to the NRA Show in May 2011, this time as a major player in panel discussions about the gluten-free foodservice industry. NFCA will also take part in Digestive Disease Week, in town May 7-10, 2011. Starting this season, Cubs fans can score gluten-free concessions at Wrigley Field, as Chicago-based Enjoy Life Foods has been named the official gluten-free, allergy-friendly food supplier to the Chicago Cubs.

SPOTLIGHT ON: Dallas/Fort Worth, TX

Support Groups:

Whether you're newly diagnosed or have long been gluten-free, you can round up support through one of the local outposts.

Hospitals/Providers:

The Dallas/Fort Worth medical community is proving that diagnosis is just the beginning. A number of medical professionals play an active role in ongoing celiac support.

Food Scene:

Restaurants

One of the biggest stories of 2010, Subway announced that it would test gluten-free buns and brownies, starting at locations in Dallas/Fort Worth and Tyler, TX. Favorable reports streamed in, as many gluten-free customers applauded the chain for taking steps to avoid cross-contamination. Across the U.S., gluten-free diners looked on with jealousy and anticipation as they await word of where Subway's gluten-free options will be headed next.

Honorable mentions:

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport has earned positive feedback for its gluten-free dining options, including smoothie stands and a barbecue shack.

In 2009, Dallas-based Boston's Restaurant & Sports Bar was among the first chains to add gluten-free pizza to its menu nationwide.

Products

Sublime Bakery in Fort Worth not only wows gluten-free and sugar free customers, but also earned mainstream recognition by competing on the Food Network Challenge.

Dallas-based Red Mango has won nationwide acclaim for its refreshing all natural frozen yogurt. The tasty swirls are gluten-free and kosher, making them the perfect treat on a hot Texas night.

Bloggers/Media:

While Austin bloggers may outnumber them, Dallas-based bloggers have made an impact in the gluten-free community.

News about Subway's gluten-free test run brought national attention to the Dallas/Fort Worth area, but frequent articles in The Dallas Morning News have kept a local spotlight on celiac disease and the gluten-free lifestyle.

Events:

In September 2010, the Gaylord Texan was site of the Gluten-Free Makeover: A Healthier You, an event run by North Texas GIG.

What's Next?

SPOTLIGHT ON: Denver, CO

Support Groups:

Perhaps the best example of support groups in action was the response we got from the board at Denver CSA Chapter #17 (www.denverceliacs.org). The group compiled a 3-page letter with suggestions of where to eat and which doctors to see. Other local support groups include:

Hospitals/Providers:

Known as a health conscious community to begin with, it seemed only natural that Denver would a Celiac Aware City.

Food Scene:

Restaurants

Lala's Wine Bar doesn't just have a few gluten-free options. The restaurant strives to make its gluten-free menu the same as its traditional offerings, so there are plenty of dishes to choose from.

Honorable mentions:

Products

Along with the neighboring city of Boulder, Denver is quickly becoming a mecca for natural and gluten-free food products. Gluten-free stars Udi's and Rudi's (both members of the GREAT Business Association) are stationed in Denver and Boulder, respectively, while New Planet Beer is a gluten-free fixture in Boulder.

In December 2009, Denver was host to the first glutenfree food bank in the nation.15 Sandwich Petals, a Denver-based company (and GREAT Business Association member), was the first to supply gluten-free donations to Loveland's House of Neighborly Service in Loveland, CO. Requests for gluten-free donations are on the rise.

Bloggers/Media:

Denver and Boulder have been widely recognized in mainstream media for being a health conscious region. Recent articles have begun to highlight gluten-free options in addition to the region's natural and organic offerings.

Events:

Denver CSA hosts an annual Gluten-Free Vendor Fair. Attendance at the event has more than doubled in the past year, gathering more than 1,800 guests in 2010 compared to 700 at the 2009 fair.

What's Next?

Will Colorado become the gluten-free beer state? Only time will tell. Colorado agriculture officials have been encouraging beer-makers to use glutenfree millet instead of the more traditional malted barley. While celiac and gluten-free populations will benefit, the switch is meant to support the millet industry.16 If not beer, then how about bread? Both Rudi's and Udi's rolled out gluten-free buns and pizza crust this year, making the Denver/Boulder region the manufacturing hub for gluten-free, family friendly food.

SPOTLIGHT ON: Philadelphia, PA Support Groups:

It makes sense that the City of Brotherly Love and surrounding suburbs would boast a strong support network. Individuals and families affected by celiac disease or gluten sensitivity don't have to look far to find a friend.

Hospitals/Providers:

Often described as the first "Gluten-Free City," Philadelphia is the proud home to NFCA and a celiac aware medical community. The Philadelphia area boasts three celiac centers and several knowledgeable providers:

Food Scene:

Restaurants

Just across the river in Voorhees, NJ, Pasta Pomodoro (a GREAT Kitchen) has gone above-andbeyond to promote celiac awareness. Chef Pasquale Masters has cooked for a number of major NFCA events as well as smaller support group gatherings. NFCA Founder & President Alice Bast has been known to drop by for lunch.

Honorable mentions:

Products

Bloggers/Media:

With a natural interest in all things food, several bloggers in the Philadelphia region have touched up the gluten-free lifestyle, but one remains a staunch advocate for the cause:

Gluten Free Philly: Michael Savett is a one-man wonder. He writes information-rich posts about local gluten-free events, the latest products to hit shelves, and the hottest places to dine gluten-free. And that's on top of being a full-time lawyer and devoted dad. He keeps the community informed, and that's played a major role in making local awareness events so successful. www.glutenfreephilly.com

Media coverage surrounding Appetite for Awareness has given gluten-free an annual stint in the spotlight, but restaurant reviews and nutrition bits often refer to gluten-free options in the area.20 In October 2010, Philadelphia magazine devoted a 1-page to celiac disease and the gluten-free diet, and debunked the myth that it's "just a fad."

Events:

NFCA's annual events, including Appetite for Awareness and Celiac Awareness Nights (featuring Philadelphia sports teams), have put celiac disease in the public eye. Most recently, Philadelphia magazine's Philly Cooks competition included a gluten-free dish, with celiac disease literature displayed at the cook's station.

What's Next?

On May 17, NFCA Founder & President Alice Bast will accept the prestigious Philadelphia Award, marking the work she's done to improve Philadelphians' well-being. 22 Alice plans to make this honor a springboard for bigger and better advances in celiac and gluten-free awareness.

Across the river, Dr. Schar USA, Inc. is planning to open its 50,000 manufacturing plant in Logan, NJ by March 2012.23 Celiac and gluten-free families can expect to see more gluten-free products on the market, and perhaps greater awareness of the demand for such items, as a result of this project.

Celiac Aware Cities 2011 - Current Standings

Think your city is celiac aware? Let's check the standings. As of April 1, the top cities requesting brochures in 2011 are:

If your city's not on the list (and even if it is), there's still plenty of time to boost your region's rank by requesting brochures. Not sure where to start? Here's how to do it. . .

HOW TO: Request & Distribute Brochures

Brochures Requests:

To get your stack of educational brochures, fill out the request form on NFCA's website: www.CeliacCentral.org/brochures. NFCA staff will gather the materials and ship them to your address, usually within a few days of your request.

Where to Distribute:

You've got the goods. Now, what do you do with them? There are plenty of ways to share some knowledge. Organized events can help you reach a number of people all in one place, but you don't have to wait to start spreading the word! Consider handing out brochures at:

Remember to check with the owner or office manager before you leave the brochures. It's another chance to raise awareness, and they'll feel more comfortable if someone asks about the brochures.

References