Ambler, Pa. (February 19, 2013) – The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) will make history today by hosting the first-ever gluten-free shopping spree at Walmart. Anna Littlejohn, a mom of three living in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is the lucky beneficiary, walking away with more than $500 in gluten-free products and kitchen tools.
“Words cannot begin to describe my excitement for today’s shopping spree. It will be fun and educational, and I’m grateful to be a part of it all thanks to NFCA,” Littlejohn said.
The shopping spree is part of the Grand Prize in NFCA’s Gluten-Free Pantry Raid Sweepstakes, which was launched as part of the organization’s Celiac Awareness Month celebration in May 2012.
In addition to the spree, the Grand Prize includes a grocery tour and in-home visit by NFCA Founder and President Alice Bast and registered dietitian Amy Jones, MS, RD, LD – all of which will be caught on camera. The footage will be included in an educational video series about gluten-free shopping that NFCA will post on YouTube. The Gluten-Free Pantry Raid is sponsored by Cabot Cheese, Crunchmaster, Glutino and Udi’s.
“Today is a celebration of the increasing availability of gluten-free food,” Bast said. “I look forward to joining Anna on this shopping trip of a lifetime, and I’m eager to share the video series as a lasting resource for our entire gluten-free community.”
The gluten-free lifestyle can be expensive, but for those with gluten-related disorders like celiac disease, it’s a medical necessity. Two of Littlejohn’s children have celiac disease, so the shopping spree was a welcome reprieve from her usual grocery bills.
A 20-year veteran of the gluten-free diet, Bast offered the following tips for gluten-free shopping on a budget:
- Buy what’s in season. Fresh fruits and vegetables are naturally gluten-free and can be very affordable when they’re in season.
- Shop with a list. You’ll be less tempted to make spontaneous purchases of things you don’t really need.
- Visit your favorite gluten-free manufacturers’ websites. You can often find exclusive coupons there.
- Store food properly. Use airtight containers and re-sealable bags to prevent food from spoiling or going stale. This is especially true for gluten-free products; check the label to see if the item should be kept in the refrigerator or freezer.
About the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness
The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that drives diagnoses of celiac disease and other gluten-related disorders and improves the quality of life for those on a lifelong gluten-free diet. For more information, please visit www.CeliacCentral.org.
