Raleigh CSA Support Group 7-16-09 Meeting Recap

Special thanks to Gail for taking meeting minutes during the last North Raleigh Celiac Support Group meeting on 7-16-2009. Below is a recap for those of you that could not make the meeting.

North Raleigh Celiac Support Group
CSA Chapter 108
July 16, 2009 7:00-9:00 PM
Whole Foods Gluten-Free Bakehouse, Morrisville North Carolina

“We Take Gluten Free Seriously” says the Whole Foods Market Gluten Free Bakehouse brochure. Our support group was treated to something seriously special at the Bakehouse. The welcoming staff escorted small groups all around their facility while explaining how the product lines are produced. The bakers are dedicated to strict allergen control and testing in their on-site testing lab to produce dozens of delicious G-F baked goods that are fresh, wholesome, and safe to eat.

After touring the facility, Lee Tobin, the Bakehouse Team Leader, welcomed us to very generous tastings of their products. Lee related the story of how he was challenged with Celiac Disease himself in 1996 and began experimenting with gluten-free baking. He developed successful recipes that sold extremely well for the customers in the Chapel Hill Whole Foods store. In order to keep up with the ever increasing demand over many stores, in October 2004 Lee was able to begin baking at a totally new and separate dedicated GF facility. A complete list of all their products is available online at www.wholefoodsmarket.com/products/gluten-free.php

Pat Berger provided a questionable ingredients handout for those who may not have gotten one at the last meeting.

Group member Mark LeSaint introduced his new project of Celiac Support Business Cards to share with the medical community in our area. It is hoped that this will be a resource to enable newly diagnosed celiacs learn about our support group in a more timely manner. Mark is looking for additional input from members and physician information. His email is mark.lesaint@gmail.com.

We will resume with celiac questions and group discussions when meetings begin after the summer break. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 17, 2009 in the private dining room at Rex Hospital.

Submitted by,
Gail Harris