Last Saturday I had the opportunity to attend the first meeting of "Gluten Free Families," a newly formed nonprofit support group.

There were more than 100 people in attendance, including children of all ages and adults who avoid gluten for a variety of reasons, such as Celiac disease, food allergies, intolerances, autism, or simply because they feel better on a gluten-free diet.

Dr. Rebecca Vickers, a local pediatrician was instrumental in forming this group. Her daughter has Celiac disease, her husband has severe gluten intolerance, and over the past few years has taken several of her patients off gluten and found they all need support along the way.

The intent of this group is to create a community of families avoiding gluten (and other foods, quite often) that can support each other—sharing recipes and resources, meeting new food vendors, hearing educational speakers, sharing educational resources, and having safe gluten-free/allergy-friendly playdates!

They plan to hold meetings quarterly, with the next scheduled for 1 p.m. May 12. They also created a Gluten Free Family database, for anyone who registers to reach out to others—for recipes, playdates, or whatever your needs are.

One-Dish Cuisine provided safe pizza(GFCFSFEF), and Freedom Bakery donated mini-cupcakes. I was there with my children and shared information about my upcoming gluten-free allergy friendly classes at Whole Foods in the Annapolis Towne Centre at Parole, which are now available to sign up online.

After my classes, a tour of Whole Foods will be offered, free of charge. The tours will highlight gluten-free and allergy-free products, and safe substitutes.

If you would like to be a part of this group or find out more email gffamiliesaac@gmail.com

For recipe ideas see my latest posts at www.livingwithfoods.blogspot.com.