An in-store celebration of gluten-free groceries

Photo/ZalliesFreshKitchen.com

National Celiac Disease Day is Sept. 13, and ShopRite of Medford is honoring it with a Gluten-Free Food Festival.

The public event, 11 am-4 pm, features more than 50 stations throughout the store showcasing gluten-free foods. Free samples, recipes, basket raffles and cooking demonstrations will be provided.

The highlight is an appearance by Chef Pasquale Mast, the owner of Pasta Pomodora, a gluten-free Italian restaurant in Voorhees, who will cook a celiac-friendly dinner.

In addition, presentations and talks will be given by dieticians and other health professionals, as well as Jennifer North from the National Foundation of Celiac Awareness. Topics include celiac disease and how a growing number of people are turning to gluten-free foods to address medical issues.

Dr. Ritu Verma, a pediatric gastrointerologist with Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) will speak to the crowd at 12:15-1 p.m. She is a Celiac Disease specialist and director of CHOP's Center for Celiac Disease.

There’s plenty for the kids too.

Author-educator Elena Torsiello will present her children's book, "Willie Villie Meets Casey Kramps in Sprueville," and interactive children’s games are part of the festival.

Alternatively, ShopRite of Medford offers an in-store childcare service that regularly allows parents (or guardians) to shop or browse without offspring in tow. Scrunchy’s Playhouse is equipped with toys, craft projects and computers for the children’s use. Best of all, the service is FREE.

There’s no cost to attend the festival or to park. The store is located at 208 Rt. 70 East in Medford (Burlington County).