Sharing the gluten-free love

A gluten-free diet doesn't evoke warm and fuzzy feelings for most of us.

Unless, of course, you've accidentally ingested some gluten.

But a Valentine's Day project just might bring them on.

See, a bunch of smart teenagers have figured out that people on special diets who are going hungry have very few options at soup kitchens and food pantries. So, they've organized the Share-the-Love Gluten Free food drive for the second consecutive year.

You are strongly encouraged to make a donation.


The community service project was launched last year by the Theta Lambda Chapter of the Eta Sigma Alpha National Homeschool Honor Society. Although some have moved on to college since then, they came back together and joined with current students to do it again. In addition to collecting food, the group is also working to educate the public about the need for gluten-free products and the medical reasons behind the demand.

The group is recommending for donations gluten-free versions of pastas, crackers, breads and such, as well as gluten-free canned soups and packaged products. In addition, they're looking for instant oatmeal, cartons of milk, coffee, tea, canned fruits and vegetables, packets of dried fruits, and canned meats and fish. At least one drop-off point does not accept glass containers, so please keep that in mind.


Wondering where can you deliver the goods?

The following is a list of drop-off locations in Burlington and Mercer counties:

Browns Mills: Christian Caring Center, 378 Lakehurst Rd.

Ewing: Mercer Street Friends Food Ban, 824 Silvia St.

Hamilton Twp.: Faith Baptist Church Food Pantry, 211 Kuser Rd.

Hightstown: Rise, 116 North Main St.

Lawrenceville: Lawrence Community Center, 295 Eggerts Crossing Rd.

Medford: Faith Presbyterian Church, 318 Stokes Rd.

Medford: Nutrition Works, 510 Stokes Rd.

Tabernacle: St. Vincent de Paul Society of the Holy Eucharist Church, 520 Medford Lake Rd.

Trenton: Jerusalem Baptist Church, 150 North Clinton Ave.

Trenton: Mount Carmel Guild Emergency Assistance Program, 73 North Clinton Ave.

Trenton: Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, 72 1/2 Escher St.


Trenton: Trinity Cathedral Food Pantry, 801 West State St.