Seattle-area-based Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) led Effort for Proclamation to Spread Awareness to Spur Action  

AUBURN, Wash. (May 10, 2023)—The Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), the largest nonprofit gluten-free advocacy organization, has announced that Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee has proclaimed May 16 Celiac Disease Awareness Day in the state – the same day as International Celiac Disease Awareness Day. According to Gov. Inslee’s proclamation, celiac is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects an estimated 2 million Americans, many of whom are undiagnosed. This genetic autoimmune disease, currently only treatable by a gluten-free diet, harms the small intestine and restricts the body from taking in nutrients.

GIG, headquartered near Seattle, spearheaded the effort for this special observance as part of May’s Celiac Awareness Month. GIG is focused on action-oriented grassroots efforts that bring awareness of the effects of celiac disease and gluten sensitivity to local communities and other targeted initiatives designed to make life easier for those living gluten-free. GIG’s outreach includes:

Expanding advocacy in local communities: GIG, in partnership with GIG Cares, is preparing to launch an advocacy training program to help people raise awareness about gluten intolerance in their own communities. The program will offer advocates tools for educating medical professionals and school nurses about celiac disease and other gluten sensitivities, which is especially important given how frequently celiac goes undiagnosed. It will also provide tools to educate restaurant operators about the processes that ensure safe gluten-free foodservice.

Growing GIG’s gluten-free verification programs: GIG’s Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) is one of the most highly trusted gluten-free certification programs. In 2022 alone, GFCO certified a record 9,300 new products from more than 800 brands worldwide – this is in addition to the 60,000+ products already certified globally. GIG also operates the Gluten-Free Food Service (GFFS), which audits participating restaurants and foodservice establishments dedicated to serving safe gluten-free meals.

Building trust between restaurants and customers: Recent GIG research reveals that 78% of gluten-free consumers fear dining out due to concerns about their food coming into contact with gluten. To address this, with any donation in the month of May to support GIG’s advocacy efforts, the nonprofit will send cards that can be handed to restaurant staff to highlight their gluten-free needs and provide access to information as to how to best accommodate gluten-free guests. GIG’s CEO, Cynthia Kelly, will personally match donations on May 17, the 49^th anniversary of GIG. For more information, visit: gluten.org/donate/

Eliminating food insecurity in the gluten-free community: GIG supports the work of GIG Cares, an independent organization that is on a mission to tackle food insecurity in the gluten-free community. Through its Cutting Costs program, GIG Cares is sending monthly boxes of certified gluten-free food to help people supplement their grocery purchases when faced with the high cost of gluten-free foods.

Shining a light on celiac disease: To publicly celebrate Celiac Awareness Month, GIG is teaming up with other nonprofit organizations across the world to Shine a Light on Celiac Disease on May 16. This effort aims to raise awareness of celiac disease, gluten-free food insecurity, the need for research and more. View more details at: shinealightonceliac.org

“Thank you to Governor Inslee for proclaiming Celiac Disease Awareness Day on May 16! We appreciate his support in educating the public about an autoimmune disease that affects millions of people, and the importance of gluten-free foods for those who experience it,” said Cynthia Kelly, CEO of GIG. “I am proud of our dedicated GIG team that continues their tireless effort in expanding awareness of gluten intolerance and turning it into action to achieve our mission to help make life easier for those living gluten-free.”

About the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG)

The Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit association funded by private donations, sponsorship opportunities and food safety programs. It relies on tax-deductible contributions to support its many innovative industry, service, social and awareness programs. GIG has been a highly respected leader in the gluten-free community since it was founded in 1974. In addition to more than 80 local support groups across the United States, GIG has increased its presence internationally to 50 countries. GIG’s mission is to make life easier for everyone living gluten-free and it does this through consumer support, education and its food safety programs. The Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), a program of GIG, is a leader in the verification of quality, integrity and purity of gluten-free products. The Gluten-Free Food Service (GFFS) program is a proven model of established best practices for foodservice facilities offering gluten-free options. GIG is committed to ongoing food safety research to assure customers and consumers the highest level of excellence in its gluten-free programs and services. For information, visit www.gluten.org.

Media Contact: Joe Garber, Sterling Kilgore, jgarber@sterlingkilgore.com, 847-630-5005

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