The Palm Beach County Celiac Support Group of South Florida (pictured above) has established an assistance program “to help those individuals with Celiac Disease and/or Dermatitis Herpetiformis who are living at or below the poverty level.” Sponsored by the Celiac Disease Foundation of South Florida, this program has raised $9000 and gives $25 per month in food credits to people who qualify. The credits can be used to purchase food in four different stores in Florida. Proof of income or participation in other public assistance programs is required. Visit the link above for contact information and to download an application.
“A study from one of the leading research centers for the disease, the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University, figures that gluten-free groceries cost about 79 percent more than their off-the-shelf counterparts.”
Food stamps aren’t enough for impoverished people with celiac disease. To help support this group, please consider buying one of their $10 GF cookbooks at the link above.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Hello- I’ve recently been diagnosed with celiac dicease on top of already having serious financial problems. I recieve $120/mo in food share program and just one bag of food was $62. today. I am sure that I will get better at spending since this is only my first week knowing but what happens then?
Do you know of any programs here in the Metro Milwaukee, WI area that can assist or that I can join similar to the one in Florida?
Thank you
Hi Sheree,
I’m sorry to hear about your troubles. After doing some research, I found nothing on the Internet that would assist people specifically in your situation, but the Friends of Celiac Disease Research is based in Milwaukee, (414) 540-6679, and they might be connected to people interested in helping. Also, you could try the Hunger Task Force, Inc. (414) 777-0483, or you could visit the House of Peace, 1702 W. Walnut Street
Milwaukee, WI 53205
Phone: 414-933-1300. They try to help people who are down on their luck in Milwaukee and need assistance with getting food.
Best of luck.
Also, you might try the Milwaukee Celiac Sprue Crew:
http://www.glutenfreeinfo.com/support/states/wisconsin.htm
(414) 354-2354