1 in 133

Do you know about the 1 in 133 campaign?

By some estimates, there are over 20 million people who need to eat gluten-free in this country and yet the FDA hasn't fulfilled the 2007 mandate to standardize gf food labeling. In response to their inaction, the first Gluten-Free Food Labeling Summit will be held on May 4, 2011 in Washington, DC (let's hope there's no need for a second one, eh?). Backed by  leading voices in the gluten-free community, including producers, vendors, and researchers such Bob's Red Mill, Whole Foods, and the celiac disease centers at Columbia University, University of Maryland, and University of Chicago, the all-day affair hopes to make clear to legislators the need and desire for these labeling changes.

Lend your voice to the cause by signing the 1 in 133 petition or making a donation. You can also add this banner to your website or blog to spread the word and show your support. (The cake logo? It's because they'll be making the world's largest gf cake the day of the event. Yum.) Follow 1 in 133 on Twitter for updates on the project and more ways you can be involved.

Wegmans is a (GF) Girl's Best Friend

If you're gf and live near a Wegmans, you (1) are so lucky! and (2) probably already know that they label gf store brand items with a big ol' "G" on the front.

They also offer a printable PDF of all store brand gf items as well as a cross-referenced list of items that are gf AND lactose-free, should you need to steer clear of both. (The lists are updated weekly, so make sure you use the latest version.) If you see something in the store that looks like it should be labeled gf but isn't, you can always call or email them with your query. I did that a few times when I was new to the diet and found them unfailingly helpful and patient. They also offer "Menu Magazine", a quarterly recipe collection (both in-store and online), full of delicious recipes with the gf options clearly marked.

While I have many gf grocery shopping options here in NYC, I've been missing Wegmans lately; if you live near one, you totally understand why! The stores are amazing and the company's labeling policy serves the gf community very well. In addition to the store brand they carry products from major gf labels and I've also found them amenable to suggestions about new products to carry.

Don't have a Wegmans in your area? They're expanding - check out their list of potential new sites!