This guest post is from Beth Hilson, the President of American Celiac Disease Alliance and the author of Gluten-Free Makeovers.

May is Celiac Awareness Month


I am Celebrating with Cupcakes

Last year I was part of the team that built the world’s tallest gluten-free cake in Washington DC.  The purpose was to bring attention to the need for gluten-free labeling regulations and standards.  The FDA replied and we now await the regulations that should be out by the end of September.
This year, in place of a huge cake, we (the American Celiac Disease Alliance) invite everyone to make cupcakes to honor the personal impact this rule-making will have on each of us.

Make your cupcakes, take a picture, and share it with the community by posting to the ACDA’s Facebook page.  Vote for your favorite cupcake by “liking” the photos. Prizes will be awarded in categories like best presentation; most unique decorations; most years being gluten-free; and kids categories. The winners will receive products and coupons from gluten-free companies.

Get out those whisks and mixing bowls. The more “likes” we receive, the more voices will be heard from our virtual community. Go to 1in133 for guidelines.

Let’s Eat Cupcakes 
Last weekend, I made 56 chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter frosting; 36 for me (see photo above) and 19 for my son, Jeremy. That’s a lot of cupcakes.  Let me tell you.  But, I’ve seen, firsthand, the power of community. When a standard for gluten-free on food packaging comes out, I can say I had a hand in making it happen.  I can say that I did something that will make my son’s life better.  I hope you’ll join me in that effort. It feels good. And, besides, you get to eat cupcakes!

Who’s Making Cupcakes?

For starters, you are.  More than 100 people have already posted photos on the ACDA Facebook page, or they are busy frosting their cupcakes and they will soon be up.  And there are 20 days left – - plenty of time to get baking.  So please join us in a Cupcake Party for a Good Cause.

More Things You Can Do

Labeling of Gluten in Drugs

Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan and New York Congresswoman Nita Lowey have introduced legislation that will require drug manufacturers to label the source of drugs’ inactive ingredients. This is huge!  All five of the national celiac organizations are united in support of this legislation.  We need our congressional members to have that same shared voice and put forward a bipartisan message:

The safety of our constituents matters; and gluten in medicine must be labeled so individuals and their healthcare providers can make an informed, safe choice.

You can write to your member of Congress and ask them to support the bill, HR4972, by going to the Take Action page on the Alliance web site.

More than 6200 people have already sent letters to Congress.  Congratulations!  But we are continuing to look for co-sponsors.  Don’t stop writing.

ACDA Asks USDA For Commitment on GF Labeling

The celiac community has spent years pressing the FDA for a gluten-free labeling standard. Last year, FDA leaders gave us a commitment to have a standard by the end of 2012.  This year, we’re focusing on the need for labeling at USDA on meats and cold cuts.  Learn more here.

Most importantly, take action! Make cupcakes and send letters to your congress person. Together we can make a difference!

Last Friday, April 13th, the first gluten-free, specialty food blogger conference was held in Chicago. Over 10o bloggers gathered at Nourished to learn about all aspects of on-line life and more importantly, share their one commonality – an unconventional diet.

The conference isn’t just for those blogging about a gluten-free diet. There were health-focused bloggers, allergy-friendly bloggers, dairy-free bloggers, vegans, and industry professionals.

According to the attendees, the event was a smashing success! Twitter was buzzing last Friday with tips and tidbits shared by the elite presenter line-up. Make sure to follow Nourished on Twitter to keep up to date with the conference, tips on how to make your blog better, and upcoming Tweet Chats. You can also follow Nourished on Facebook.

Nourished 2013 will be held in Dallas sometime in September. The date will be announced soon.
Read more about Nourished!