Just in time for Spring, we think we’ve discovered the ultimate pita flat bread bread and we are offering it in a special tasting Saturday, March 26, 12:00-4:00 at Free From Market, 14482, S. LaGrange Rd., Orland Park.

These pitas are better than any I have ever tried — with or without wheat.  They are gluten, dairy, egg and nut free, and made in a dedicated facility free from those allergens as well.  Also, unlike most pita pockets, which often crumble or fall apart when you fill them up with hummus and veggies, these keep their shape and stay moist for several hours, making them perfect for those who pack a lunch.  Stop by Free From Market Saturday, 3/26 from 12:00-4:00 for a try.

We think we’ve discovered the ultimate pita flat bread bread and we are offering it in a special tasting Saturday, March 26, 12:00-4:00 at Free From Market, 14482, S. LaGrange Rd., Orland Park.

Sam says these pitas are better than any she has ever tried — with or without wheat.  Also, unlike most pita pockets, which often crumble or fall apart when you fill them up with humus and veges, these keep their shape and stay moist for several hours, making them perfect for those who pack a lunch.  Stop by Free From Market Saturday, 3/26 for a try.

New / Returning 

OMG It’s Gluten Free — 14″ Cheese Pizza

Ian’s Onion Rings

Celiac Specialties Donut Holes (CF too)

Froose Gummies – Sweetened with rice syrup.

Bell and Evans Chicken Nuggets and Tenders - Back by popular demand and better than ever.

Domata Living Flour - Affordable all purpose gluten free flour with xanthan gum included (5 lbs.) and an outstanding performer for breads and pastries.

Against the Grain — Vermont Country Rolls, Cinnamon Bagels, Pumpernickel Rolls and 12″ Pesto Pizza.

Gillian’s Foods — Frozen Pizza Dough

Teese Cheddar — Dairy Free cheese that can be grated or sliced and it melts.  Made in a 100% dairy free facility.

So Delicious Coconut Creamer

Blue Horizon Crab Cakes and Fish Sticks

Mixes from the Heartland Soups, 8 winter flavors to choose from.  These mixes make outstanding, generously portioned, soups.

Sales (until 3/31)

Buy 1 Get 1 FREE Udi’s Cinnamon Raisin Bread

35% OFF Glutino Pretzels, Family Size Bag

25% OFF Glutenfreeda’s Instant Oatmeals

25% OFF All NOW Vitamins

Organic Produce, Bulk Pricing — THE BOX

Here is how it works: Prepay for four weeks and each week pick up either a 10 lb or a 20 lb box of 100% certified USDA organic produce.  The 10 lb box (pictured above) will fill the average sized refrigerator produce bin and is sufficient for a family of two for the week at $23; the 20 lb box is suitable for a family’s weekly needs at $46.  

Boxes are comprised of 75% staples like tomatoes, lettuce, etc., 25% local and seasonal items, so some of their contents will change each week.  Sorry we cannot hold boxes the next day or over the weekend.  At the end of each four week period, you may renew, alter or cancel your subscription. 

These are very generous “10 lb” and “20 lb” boxes.  Last week’s 10 pounder came in at a screaming 18 lbs!  To get started, call (708) 590-6205 or stop by the Orland Park store.

Gluten & Allergen Free Expo

The cooking class and vendor fair extravaganza returns again to the Wyndham Hotel, Lisle, April 29-May 1.  This is always the Chicago area gluten free event of the year.  Don’t miss it.  Buy tickets here.

In the News

Group in Florida Protest Food Allergy Precautions in School

“Peanut Patch” Food Allergy Desensitization Trial

Clinical Trials – National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

More Clinical Trials

Camp TAG Registering Now for IL, MD and PA.

Udi’s Bread = $4.50 – This is the lowest price anywhere, period.  We’ve negotiated a good price with our distributor and are passing the savings on to you.  Go to www.udisbread.com and get the same price, shipped anywhere nationwide.  Print out this coupon and it is $3.50! 

Sales (until 10/6)

* Betty Crocker Gluten Free Mixes — $2.50 ea! with the purchase of any 1 other gluten free mix by Mixes from the Heartland, 123 Gluten Free, Really Great Food Company or Kinnikinnick.*

Goldbaum’s Gluten Free Ice Cream Cones – 25% Off
Cherrybrook Kitchen Mixes – 25% Off
Envirokidz Snack Bars (5 packs) — All $1.99 ea (limit 3 per customer)
Pamela’s Mixes (21 oz) – All 25% Off
 

New / Returning

Nordic Naturals assorted Arctic Cod Liver Oils with Vitamin D3, Children’s DHA, Ultimate Omega, etc.
Spectrum Cod Liver Oil Capsules with D3
Divinely Inspired Gluten Free Cheese Pizzas from the maker of Heavenly Peirogi
Rice Works Sea Salt, Sweet Chili, Salsa Fresca, and Parmesan & Sundried Tomato in 2 oz packages, perfect for lunches.
Against the Grain 12″ Pesto Pizza
Caesar’s Potato Gnocchi, Original & Spinach
Silk Yogurt, Raspberry, Strawberry, Vanilla and Key Lime in 6 and 32 oz sizes
Skindiddy Baked Fries, Original, Parmesan & Garlic and Cheddar Cheese
O’Dough’s Breads, rolls, buns and cakes (8 items total) — no toasting, no crumbling, ready out of the bag and free from Gluten, Dairy, Egg and all Nuts.

Bob’s Red Mill GF Oat Flour

Bob’s Red Mill GF Quick Oats

So Yummi Puddings, Rice, Chocolate, Lime

Vibranz Kombucha, Assorted Flavors

You and Free From Market Give

Charities struggle these days, so Free From Market is beginning a new charitable initiative.  During the month of October, in honor of Celiac Disease Awareness Month, you may choose to direct the proceeds of your Frequent Shopper Rewards to the local chapters of the Celiac Sprue Association and the Gluten Intolerance Group.  Cash will accumulate in the jar on the counter, and at the end of the month we will split it between the two advocacy groups.  Alternatively, you may apply your rewards to purchases, as always.  If we work together, this can raise many $100s for each group.

CSAGC Care Walk

Go to the 8th Annual Celiac Sprue Association Care Walk and sleep better!  Free From Market is a corporate donor, so we will see you there: Sat., Oct. 2, 9:00 am at Fullersburg Woods, 3609 Spring Road, Oakbrook.  The Walk raises funds for Celiac Disease advocacy, research and education and makes donations to Rush University’s Adult Celiac Disease Program, University of Chicago’s Celiac Disease Center and the national Celiac Sprue Association.  The CARE Walk is fun, family and pet-friendly and there are always plenty of gluten free goodies to munch on at the pavilion. Goodie bags and t-shirts are included as well. Come out to enjoy the scenery, sample some great gluten free products and meet a new friend or two!  Click here to register.  Pledge sheet here.   For more information go to the CSAGC website or call 847-255-4156.

Gluten Free Chicago

Sat., Sept. 25, 12:30-3:00 - Gluten Intolerance Group, Kids’ Group will meet at DaLuciano’s Restaurant, 8343 W. Grand Ave., River Grove to create your own gluten free pizza and decorate your own gluten free cupcake.  Both kids and parents will get to talk about their favorite gluten free lunches to bring to school.  Cost: $18 per person (Includes pizza, salad, fruit, cupcakes, drinks, tax, and gratuity).  Please bring cash.  Price is for children and/or adults.  RSVP by Wed. Sept. 22nd and direct questions to Nancy Perlman at nancyeperlman@gmail.com.   Barrington Gourmet All Gluten Free Buffet, 232 E. Main Street, Barrington 847-304-0708 (Metra train station is right across the street).  Cost is $10 at the door with reservation and $13 without, children under 10 are free, cash bar with cider and GF beer.  The buffet will be extensive.  RSVP either by calling the restaurant at 847-304-0708 or by e-mailing Bruce Zarlengo.
 
Sat., Oct. 2, 9:00 am - Celiac Sprue Association of Greater Chicago (CSAGC) Care Walk 2010, Fullersburg Woods, 3609 Spring Road, Oakbrook.  The Walk raises funds for Celiac Disease advocacy, research and education and makes donations to Rush University’s Adult Celiac Disease Program, University of Chicago’s Celiac Disease Center and the national Celiac Sprue Association.  The CARE Walk is fun, family and pet-friendly and there are always plenty of gluten free goodies to munch on at the pavilion. Goodie bags and t-shirts are included as well. Come out to enjoy the scenery, sample some great gluten free products and meet a new friend or two!  Register here.  Pledge sheet here.   For more information go to the CSAGC website or call 847-255-4156.  We will see you there!

Sun., Sept. 26, 4:00-7:00 pm -

Sun., Oct. 3 - The Hike for Lung Health is a multi-charity walk designed to bring attention to lung disease. Hundreds of people will be joining together in Lincoln Park and Palatine Deer Grove to walk as teams or individuals to raise money to help the 1 million Chicago and surrounding suburban residents affected by lung disease.  At each walk site you’ll enjoy food, music, event sponsor exhibits and family entertainment.  Register here!  You can also help a particularly important charity partner that has done extraordinary work for those with food allergy in Illinois, the Illinois Food Allergy Education Association (IFAEA).  IFAEA is the only allergy organization, national or local, that has mailed food allergy information to every school district in Illinois.  Julie Campbell of IFAEA has been a tireless advocate for our kids at school.  If your school nurse knows food allergies, then she knows Julie and IFAEA.  Help them to meet their fund raising goal for the Hike for Lung Health by giving a donation here.University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center’s Annual Free Screening.  Each year the center screens hundreds of participants who might not otherwise have access to Celiac Disease screening either because their doctors refused to carry out the tests, their insurance would not cover the cost or they were uninsured altogether.  You are eligible for the free blood screening if you are at risk for celiac disease, but you must pre-register for the event which occurs Oct. 9th.  For more information, click here.

Sat. Oct. 9,

Thurs., Oct. 7, 6:30 The Gluten Intolerance Group, Evanston Chapter will meet Thursday, Oct. 7  at 6:30 (every 1st Thursday of the month) at Rose’s Wheat Free Bakery, 2902 Central St., Evanston, IL.  Contact the group leader, Jen Cafferty, for more details at support@chicagoglutenfree.com or 847-217-1317.Gluten Intolerance Group, Orland Park Chapter will meet Monday, Oct. 11 at 6:00 (every 2nd Monday of the month) at Free From Market, 14482 S. LaGrange Rd., Orland Park, IL.  Among the items on this month’s agenda: Oktoberfest! with gluten free beer and brats.  Contact the group leaders, Linda Macak & Jen Cafferty for more details at support@chicagoglutenfree.com or 847-217-1317.

Mon., Oct. 11, 6:00 — The

Sun., Oct. 17, 11:00 - Food Allergy And Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) Food Allergy Walk, 1700 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago (Lincoln Park).  Now is the time to start planning your team for the annual fundraiser for food allergy research.  Register here.  Founded in 1991 by Anne Munoz Furlong, the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) is the world leader in information about food allergy, a potentially life-threatening medical condition that affects approximately 12 million Americans, or one out of every 25, and is rapidly increasing in prevalence. 

Food Allergy Recalls 

TREE NUTS - Sept. 17, Dough Masters Inc. of Troy, Michigan, is recalling their Oatmeal Raisin Cookies and Chocolate Chunk Cookies due to undeclared walnuts. 

SULFITES - Sept. 1, Cibo Vita is recalling Mediterranean Mix of Woodpecker Brand due to undeclared sulfites. 

 
PEANUTS - Sept. 1, Torn & Glasser is recalling “Mixed Nuts Fancy, No Peanuts” due to undeclared peanuts!  The product was distributed to stores in California, Hawaii, and Washington through a wholesale distribution outlet, so it may have found its way into prepared food items (baked goods, etc.)

http://tinyurl.com/3×6l7qf

Blue Air HEPA Air Purifiers 25% OFF ALL MODELS.  This is the best sale of the year (anywhere) on the world’s most efficient HEPA Air Purifiers.

Udi’s Bread (White and Whole Grain): 20% OFF

All Goldbaum’s Pastas: 3 for $10 (Spaghetti, Fetuccini, Penne, Radiatore, Fusilli, Elbows).  These pastas are receiving great reviews.  They’re not mushy, cook up al dente and come in a slightly larger package than that other rice pastas.  5 Stars from www.glutenfreefoodreviews.com.  Click here for a comparative review with another ubiquitous and highly regarded brand.

EnviroKidz Crispy Rice Snack Bars: 3 Boxes for $10 Perfect for school lunches. 

Natren Healthy Trinity (60 caps): 25% OFF.  A superior probiotic with a 30 billion culture count, cultured in a dairy free medium and made by a company that has been making probiotics and nothing else since the early 1980s.

So Delicious Coconut Milk: 20% OFF.  If you have not tried this yet, you are in for a treat.  

Shop for many more sales at the Orland Store…

New / Returning

Allergy Free Foods Chicken Nuggets and Tenders – These are 8 allergen free and served at all Disney 4-5 Restaurants

Rudi’s White, Whole Grain and Cinnamon Raisin Bread (that’s Rudi’s with an “R”) – Bread that you do not need to toast, does not crumble and tastes … well, like real bread. 

Sandwich Petals — Great wraps that don’t break when you roll them; spinach & garlic, agave grain and red chimayo.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
Printable Coupons (Cannot be combined with other ongoing sales or published offers.)

$1.00 off Ian’s Products

$1.00 off Pamela’s Products

$1.00 off Crunchmaster Products

$0.50 off any Blue Diamond Product
$1.00 off Glutino Pretzels 

We accept all competitors’ coupons.

We sell in bulk sizes at considerable discounts.

We have gift certificates.

Free Shipping for orders over $100 at www.freefrommarket.com

Allergen & Gluten Free in Illinois Schools

The State of Illinois Board of Education and Department of Public Health have finished the Guidelines for Managing Life-Threatening Food Allergies in Illinois Schools as required by a bill passed by the state legislature last year.  The guidelines require that every illinois school board implement a uniform policy based on the guidelines for handling life-threatening food allergies.  Currently only students who have life-threatening food allergies and qualify for 504, IHCP or EAP plans will directly benefit from the guidelines. 

However, requiring schools to have food allergy protocols and universal training for all staff in place within 4 months, means that anyone in an Illinois school on a restricted diet (Celiac, Allergies, Crohn’s, Diabetes, ASD, etc.) will benefit greately from the increased awareness that comes from accomodating the most severely allergic.

Gluten Free Chicago

Tues., Aug. 5, 6:30 - The Gluten Intolerance Group Evanston Chapter meets at Rose’s Wheat Free Bakery, 2902 Central Street - 6:30pm (and every 1st Thurs. of the month).  For more information, contact the group leader, Jen Cafferty at support@chicagoglutenfree.com or 847-217-1317.
 
Mon., Aug. 9, 6:00 - The Gluten Intolerance Group Orland Chapter meets at Free From Market, 14482 S. LaGrange Rd., Orland Park (and every 2nd Mon. of the month) For more information, contact the group leader, Jen Cafferty at support@chicagoglutenfree.com or 847-217-1317.
 
Wed., Aug. 11 6:30 - The Gluten Intolerance Group Northbrook Chapter meets at Sunset Foods, 1127 Church Street 6:30pm (and every 2nd Wed. of the month).  For more information, contact the group leader, Jen Cafferty at support@chicagoglutenfree.com or 847-217-1317.

Mon., Aug 16, 7:00-9:30 - Parents of Children Having Allergies DuPage County meets at Uncle Bubs, 132 S. Cass Avenue, Westmont, 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm (630) 493-9000.  Topic: A Father’s Perspective on Food Allergies.  For more information, contact the goup leaders Kellee Konieczny at (815) 603-4838 or Kristin Miller at 630-251-3750.

Mon., Aug. 16 - Begins registration for the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center’s Annual Free Screening.  Each year the center screens hundreds of participants who might not otherwise have access to Celiac Disease screening either because their doctors refused to carry out the tests, their insurance would not cover the cost or they were uninsured altogether.  You are eligible for the free blood screening if you are at risk for celiac disease, but you must register in by Aug. 16th for the event which occurs Oct. 9th.  For more information, click here.

 
Tues., Aug 17, 6:00 - The Gluten Intolerance Group Chicago Chapter meets at Chicago at Great Taste Cafe, Second Floor of McClurg Fitness Center, 355 N. Grand (and every 3rd Thursday of the month).  $2 parking (Cafe closes at 6.  If you want dinner show up early to order).  For more information, contact the group leader, Jen Cafferty at support@chicagoglutenfree.com or 847-217-1317.
 
A GIG Kids Group now meets in River Forrest.  E-mail for more information.   
 

August 24, 6:30-8:30 pm - Safe and Sound Dinner with Lisa Williams at Zed 451.  Come sample the wide variety of salads at ZED 451’s amazing harvest tables, customized to be FREE of the Big Bad 8 allergens and gluten. Each dish with components more bold and flavorful then the next.  When you are ready for your protein, just place your marker at the table’s edge and tableside chefs will serve you right off their large skewers.  Desert will be served by Swirlz Cupcakes.  Register here.FAAN Food Allergy Walk, 1700 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago (Lincoln Park).  Now is the time to start planning your team for the annual fundraiser for food allergy research.  Register here.  Founded in 1991 by Anne Munoz Furlong, the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) is the world leader in information about food allergy, a potentially life-threatening medical condition that affects approximately 12 million Americans, or one out of every 25, and is rapidly increasing in prevalence. 

Sun., Oct. 17, 11:00 -

Recalls 

Egg, Aug. 4 -  Ugo. DiLullo & Sons is recalling “U. DiLullo’s Deluxe Meatballs in Sauce” due to undeclared egg.  The products were distributed to institutions, including food banks in MD, NY and NJ.  

 
Wheat & Egg, Aug. 3 - Bay Valley Foods is recalling “Chef’s Cupboard Chicken with Rice Soup” due to undeclared egg and wheat.  The product was distributed to Aldi stores nationwide.  Some cans are mislabeled and may contain Vegetarian Vegetable Soup.  
 
Egg, Aug. 3 - Kashmir Crown Baking is recalling “KCB No Eggs Added Cake Rusk” due to undeclared egg.  The product was distributed in retail shops in Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and North Carolina. 
 
Peanuts, July 23 - Oregon Ice Cream Company is recalling Denali Bear Claw Ice Cream due to undeclared peanuts.  The ice cream was distributed to ice cream shops in 3 gallon tubs in WA, CA, ID, NV, MT & AK.  
 
Gluten & Wheat, July 21 - DeBoles Nutritional Foods, Inc. is recalling DeBoles® Kids Only! Gluten Free Tubettini Corn Pasta Due to undeclared wheat and gluten.  The lot affected is 30JUN11D1 and was distributed nationwide.

Sulfites, July 13 - Diamond Usa Inc. is recalling “Dry Apricot Rolled” due to undeclared sulfites.

Walnuts, July 10 - QFC is recalling Broccoli Raisin Salad due to undeclared walnuts. 

DeBoles Nutritional Foods, Inc. is recalling DeBoles Kids Only! Gluten Free Tubettini Corn Pasta due to undeclared wheat.  The product was distributed to stores nationwide and through Internet orders.  The recall applies only to lot code 30JUN11D1, which appears on the top of the 8.5-oz cardboard box. The UPC code 087336638305 appears on the bottom of the box.  Consumers should return the product to the place of purchase for a refund. Consumers with questions should contact the company at (800) 434-4246.