My Health Food Store Listened To Me!

[Judyin Philly]

This was a message that was sent to me via: my contact at the store and I submit this with their permission....

I had sent her a link to the video and she watched it and then sent a email to all the employees.

We are making progress with our efforts to 'get the word' out.

They are in the process of expanding their store with a Grand Opening in April. They are also going to sponcer a celiac disease support group.

I count my blessings everday that they are so helpful and compassionate--and only 5 minutes from my house.

Judy

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Our wonderful customer and celiac helper, Judy sent this to me. Take a look at the video about "bloating". ....(the link is at the bottom of my email) .this disease is getting so much attention, it's unbelievable. I mean if this is here to stay, we are in for a huge chance to help people.

Here's the question:

Can we right now start a gluten free section in the store? Did you notice how she had to read through so much to find what she wanted? Even with a list, products are scattered within even the same department (like cereals). I was helping a customer today with her 4 year old autistic child, looking for gluten-free/wf foods that contained no corn sugars or oats, and low in dairy usage.....can we get more specialized??? Do we have enough evidence to indicate that this health issue demands more of our floor space, energy and educated staff to go along with it? Let me know your thoughts, please.

ABC News

[nettiebeads]

Good work Judy! It is great to know that we are being listened to!

Annette

[Guest nini]

Shirley, that is great that your store is willing to listen and help... I live in Marietta, GA and shop at a Health Food Co Op called Life Grocery, they instituted a "gluten free section" about a year ago per mine and other customers request. I've been told the gluten free section is a huge success and they are getting more people traveling long distances just to stock up on gluten free food, because it's easier to find when it's not all scattered throughout the store. They still have most of the products stocked in their normal places as well, but a good selection in the gluten free section, which is extremely helpful for newly diagnosed celiacs or parents of autistic children.

I think it's awesome that more stores are willing to consider doing things like this to help out the Celiac community, I think you will find that the Celiac community is a very loyal customer base. We have to be. The diet is for life. It's not a fad diet, this is going to be around a long long time!

Thank you again for listening!

[jerseyangel]

Hi Shirley--so glad to have you here! I live in South Jersey and the next time I'm in your area, I will definately be stopping in. Judy is a wonderful person who, through this forum, has become a friend. I know that together you two will do good things for the Celiac community that you serve.

[jenvan]

That is great Shirley! Thanks Judy for initiating and Shirley for caring and responding to this important issue. If I still lived near Philly I'd stop by!