New Nonprofit Organization Fights Food Insecurity and Promotes Gluten-free Advocacy

AUBURN, Wash. (November 29, 2021)—Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), the industry leader in the certification of gluten-free products and foodservices, announces the formation of GIG Cares, a separate nonprofit organization whose mission is to fight food insecurity, while promoting gluten-free education and advocacy. GIG Cares will expand the work of Cutting Costs for Celiacs, a charity GIG partnered with earlier this year that previously served Wisconsin by promoting affordable gluten-free eating initiatives.

GIG Cares will offer support for families living gluten-free through a variety of programs. Through a financial grant from GIG, and donations from those who would want to support families and children with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, GIG Cares is providing monthly boxes of food to those in need. These boxes contain Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) certified, safe gluten-free products. GFCO certifies more than 60,000 gluten-free products worldwide. Now in its third month of operation, the program will expand in 2022. Information on how households can apply to receive a year of food boxes can be found here: https://www.gigcares.org/

The new nonprofit is also comprised of a food relief program, education programs, and volunteer advocacy:

* Food relief program: GIG Cares will provide food relief through partnerships with brands certified by GFCO, and Gluten-Free Food Service (GFFS), which validates hundreds of establishments in the U.S.

* Education: GIG Cares education program will focus on supporting individuals with tips and resources for living day-to-day on a gluten-free diet or who have been diagnosed with a gluten-intolerant condition.

* Volunteer advocacy: GIG Cares is committed to expanding awareness and policies in the interest of those with gluten intolerance or who choose to eat gluten-free. GIG Cares will support volunteers who are working in their communities to promote causes that support polices helpful to those living gluten-free, such as letter writing campaigns to legislators, local awareness and education opportunities.

In a survey conducted in December 2020, 79% of respondents said that the cost of gluten-free foods was their biggest challenge. Furthermore, food insecurity affects one in six people who need gluten-free food.

“We look forward to continuing to work alongside our partners at GIG to build and grow the important work of GIG Cares,” said Channon Quinn, CEO of GIG Cares. “We are excited that this organization promises to be an invaluable resource to those who need additional support to afford a gluten-free life.  With food insecurity increasing, especially throughout the pandemic, GIG Cares will make a positive difference to families in need with safe, nutritious gluten-free foods.”  

Donations to support GIG Cares and expand this mission can be made through GIG at this website: https://gluten.org/donate/

 

 

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 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, 630-964-8500 x229

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