GFGS Community Calendar: November 2017

The holiday season can be especially tough for celiacs, as well as others who are intolerant to gluten or wheat. Luckily, the gluten-free community has resources to assist with holiday dishes, and social events that can feel more inclusive than many traditional parties to celebrate the season.

Saturday, Nov. 18: Gluten-Free with Dr. Anne Lee, Nutritionist, 1-3 pm, at Hackensack University Medical Center at Pascack Valley (250 Old Hook Rd.) in Westwood. The event is hosted by Generation GF Northern New Jersey, a Gluten Intolerance Group program for children and their families, and features Dr. Lee, a nutritionist at the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University.  Additional details TBA.

Saturday, Dec. 2: Kids’ Gluten Free Cooking Class, 1-3 pm,  at The Rachel Way in Plymouth Meeting Mall (500 W. Germantown Pike), Plymouth Meeting, Pa. Children will create gluten-free gingerbread houses in celebration of the holiday season. The Rachel Way is a non-profit gluten-free and dairy-free food pantry.

Sunday, Dec. 3: SouthJersey Celiacs, Chapter 9 of the National Celiac Association, Meeting, 2 pm, at Virtua Memorial Health Center (401 Young Ave.) in Moorestown. The support group meets monthly in Conference rooms 155A and 155B, and welcomes new members. During December’s meeting, the group will host its annual Cookie Swap. Participants should bring recipes or store-bought packaging with their contributions. 

As a service to regular readers and the Celiac community at large, Gluten Free Garden State offers an ongoing list of upcoming events of interest. We feature local happenings, as well as regional events open to the public. The updated calendar appears on the second Saturday of each month. Links are posted to Facebook and Twitter using the hashtags #GFSked and #celiacsavethedate. Submit event listings to gfgardenstate@gmail.com

Public events to help with Thanksgiving prep

The holiday season can be especially tough for celiacs, as well as others who are intolerant to gluten or wheat. Luckily, with Thanksgiving fast approaching, there are events being held this weekend that can help ease the anxiety over what to bring to the table.

While there are decent holiday stuffing recipes and products on the market, other ideas may be found nearby, in Pennsylvania, at a Gluten Free Cooking Class for children and the Central PA Gluten Free Expo. If you missed the Gluten Free & Allergen Friendly Expo in Secaucus last month, you want to make to the drive to this one coming up.

On Saturday, the Kids’ Gluten Free Cooking Class runs 1-3 pm  at The Rachel Way gluten-free and dairy free food pantry in Plymouth Meeting Mall (500 W. Germantown Pike), Plymouth Meeting, Pa. Kids will make gluten free pumpkin cream cheese bites and gluten free tee-pees, and participate in fall craft and more Thanksgiving fun. Best of all? It's FREE to attend. Reserve a spot by registering in advance. 

On Sunday, the Central PA Gluten Free Expo runs 12:30-5:30 pm, at The Penn Stater Conference Center (215 Innovation Blvd.), State College, Pa. More than 50 gluten-free food vendors will be in attendance. The expo also offers seminars, door prizes and samples, as well as a Wegmans cooking demonstration. VIP ticket holders gain access at 11:45 am. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

GFGS Community Calendar: Tastes of fall 2017

Autumn offers great opportunities for New Jersey’s gluten-free community to sample and socialize with multiple food expositions happening in the region. Education and information are provided, along with the introductions of new food products. Mark your calendars!

Saturday, Sept. 9: Empowering Our Gluten Free Kids: Managing the Social Challenges of Growing Up gluten-Free, 10 am-12 pm, at Hackensack University Medical Center at Pascack Valley (250 Old Hook Rd.) in Westwood. Hosted by Generation GF NorthernNew Jersey, a Gluten Intolerance Group program for children and their families, the event offers fun activities for kids, as well as opportunities for children to discuss their feelings about the gluten-free lifestyle. A licensed clinical social worker will lead the discussion, and food samples will be available. Email GenerationGF.NorthernNJ@gluten.org to register.

Sunday, Sept. 10: SouthJersey Celiacs, Chapter 9 of the National Celiac Association, Meeting, 2 pm, at Virtua Memorial Health Center (401 Young Ave.) in Moorestown. The support group meets monthly in Conference rooms 155A and 155B, and welcomes new members. This month kicks of a new year for the chapter and officers will collect annual dues.

Saturday, Sept. 16: Gluten Free Festival, 11 am-3 pm, at ShopRite of Medford (208 Route 70 East) in Medford. In honor of Celiac Awareness Day, ShopRite offers a free tasting event that showcases various gluten-free items available in the store. Retail dieticians on staff will be available for consultation.