The Journey of the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG)
1974: Founding of the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG)
In 1974, Dr. Elaine Hartsook, PhD, RD founded the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG). A metabolic dietitian at the University of Washington, Elaine authored the first gluten-free dietary guidelines, becoming a world-renowned expert in gluten-free diets and patient education. Her pioneering work laid the foundation for GIG’s mission to support and educate individuals impacted by gluten-related disorders.
1983: Launch of GIG’s First Support Group
By 1983, GIG launched its first support group. By 2000 GIG support groups expanded across the country. These support groups provide in-person and online guidance for every stage of the gluten-free journey, offering a lifeline to those adjusting to a gluten-free lifestyle.
1996: Cynthia (Kupper) Kelly Becomes CEO of GIG
Cynthia, a Puget Sound native and clinical dietitian, was diagnosed with celiac disease after enduring symptoms for over two years. She joined GIG as a volunteer, where she met founder Elaine Hartsook. Just two days before Elaine’s passing, she entrusted Cynthia with GIG’s future, leaving her with the choice to carry on the mission or let it end. Cynthia accepted the challenge. Under Cynthia’s leadership, GIG has pioneered impactful programs, including the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) and Gluten-Free Food Services (GFFS). Now, after 28 years as CEO, she remains dedicated to improving the lives of those living gluten-free.
2005: Establishment of the GFCO Program
The GFCO Program, established in 2005, was the first certification program of its kind. It was developed to assure the highest standards of gluten-free food safety. It quickly became the leader in gluten-free food certification, with over 65,659 products and 3,200 brands certified to date. It sets the gold standard, guaranteeing products meet over 80 standards, including with 10 ppm of gluten or less to ensure consumer safety and trust.
2007: Acquired Management of the Gluten-Free Restaurant Awareness Program (GFRAP)
The GFRAP program was acquired in 2007, from a Rochester, NY Support group. The program provided education and awareness materials for restaurants participating in the program. Under this program GIG began working with large chain restaurants on their gluten-free offerings and employee training programs. GIG also launched a Chef to Plate program to bring awareness of restaurants offering gluten-free meals. In this celiac awareness month awareness program, these restaurants provided educational information to their guests through table tents, posters, and other publications provided by GIG.
2008: The Leadership of Channon Quinn
In 2008, Channon Quinn joined the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), taking on the leadership of the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). Armed with a degree in Business Administration from Southern Oregon University with a focus on hospitality, marketing, and communications, Channon was quick to make an impact. Under her guidance, GFCO expanded from certifying just three brands to over 1,300, ensuring gluten-free safety across more than 60,000 products worldwide. This growth established GIG as a global standard in gluten-free quality and safety.
Today, Channon serves as GIG’s Chief Operating Officer and CEO of GIG Cares, where her lifelong dedication to service for others, beginning with raising guide dogs for the blind at age nine, drives her efforts. She also volunteers at a therapeutic equestrian facility, reinforcing her commitment to community service. Her leadership has been instrumental in the launch and growth of GIG Cares, where she leads initiatives to increase food accessibility and support for the gluten-free community.
2013: The Founding of Cutting Costs for Celiacs
In 2013, Lexie Van Den Heuvel, a teenager at the time, established Cutting Costs for Celiacs to support low-income families with children newly diagnosed with celiac disease who were facing the high cost of gluten-free essentials. Recognizing the financial strain gluten-free diets can impose, Lexie started providing food baskets, vouchers, and resources to families in need, creating a lifeline for those struggling to afford safe foods.
2014: Gluten-Free Food Service (GFFS) launched
In 2014, GIG revamped the GFRAP program to include standards food services would meet to become certified as a GFFS location. This program validates food services including restaurants, food trucks, cafes, colleges, senior living facilities, and hospitals. This program ensures top-tier staff training and the highest standards of gluten-free food safety practices.
2021: The Launch of GIG Cares
In 2021, GIG partnered with Cutting Costs for Celiacs to expand its reach, resulting in the launch of GIG Cares, with a program focused on addressing food security and accessibility for gluten-intolerant individuals. With Channon’s leadership and community support, GIG Cares has expanded from distributing 50 gluten-free food boxes per month to 500 in two short years, thanks to generous donations from individuals and organizations alike. This expansion has been essential in providing families in need with the necessary gluten-free foods for a healthy, safe diet.
In addition, GIG Cares has rolled out programs designed specifically for youth, such as the Teen Summits and Kids Camps, offering gluten-free children a supportive environment to connect, build friendships, and enjoy a typical childhood experience without dietary concerns. For over 30 years, these programs have provided a safe, gluten-free experience for young campers and teens.
GIG Cares has also taken on the Generation GF Magazine, a quarterly publication that reaches kids and teens across the U.S., and revamped GIG’s Support Groups, transforming them into 60 active community groups nationwide with in-person and virtual options to foster mutual support for gluten-intolerant individuals and their families.
2024: Celebrating 50 Years of GIG’s Commitment to the Gluten-Free Community
In 2024, GIG proudly celebrates 50 Years of Making Life Easier for Everyone Living Gluten-Free, honoring five decades of education, support, and advocacy for the gluten-free community.