Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Looking For A Support Group In Phila. Pa

ssight1

By ssight1
in Introduce Yourself / Share Stuff

Recommended Posts

ssight1 Newbie
ssight1
Posted

I am looking for a support group in Philadelphia, PA. I have recently found several wonderful places to shop for foods and would like to share and talk to other people with celiac disease.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


jaimek Enthusiast
jaimek
Posted

There is a local support group that meets in Abington, PA a couple times a year. I joined but I do not remember the name of it. I will look into it tonight (if i remember) and get back to you. I went to one meeting when i was first diagnosed and it was very helpful.

  • 1 year later...
rutland Enthusiast
rutland
Posted

I live in Philly too and Im looking into support groups. There is one in Abington and Langhorne. I live in NE philly in the mayfair section. I found out about support groups by Googling "celiac support groups in Philadelphia" I found some listings. Ill have to look at where I left the contact numbers and get back to you.

Lauren M Explorer
Lauren M
Posted

Oooh oooh, what are the places you found to shop?? Do share!

I've always wanted to go to one of the Philly support meetings, but they always conflict with my schedule. Maybe one day!

- Lauren

rutland Enthusiast
rutland
Posted
Oooh oooh, what are the places you found to shop?? Do share!

I've always wanted to go to one of the Philly support meetings, but they always conflict with my schedule. Maybe one day!

- Lauren

There are so many places. Most are health food stores. But you can find lots at Wholefoods market in Jenkintown, theres harrys natural food store on Cottman Ave., Trader Joes in Jenkintown. Bunns health foods in Southhamton on Street Road, and theres a good health food store in Willowgrove on Moreland and 611 but I forget the name.

I havent been to a meeting yet. Im sure it will be helpful, I just dont know what to expect.

Lauren M Explorer
Lauren M
Posted
There are so many places. Most are health food stores. But you can find lots at Wholefoods market in Jenkintown, theres harrys natural food store on Cottman Ave., Trader Joes in Jenkintown. Bunns health foods in Southhamton on Street Road, and theres a good health food store in Willowgrove on Moreland and 611 but I forget the name.

I havent been to a meeting yet. Im sure it will be helpful, I just dont know what to expect.

I go to the TJs on 23rd and Market and the Whole Foods on 21st and Callowhill. Sometimes I'll trek down to the Dietary Shoppe on Ridge Ave, because they have Don Pancho wraps and Gillians rolls. Oh, and of course there is Mr. Ritts at 7th (I think?) and Passyunk. I've gotten my birthday cake from them for the past 2 years.

I guess that is a good selection to choose from, but I'm always looking for new places, and especially some better prices! I'm a poor grad student! As far as restaurants, I find the Philly area very disappointing.

- Lauren

rutland Enthusiast
rutland
Posted

Lauren,

I know what you mean about how pricey this stuff can be. I heard that the reading terminal has gluten free baked goods. Not sure about their prices though. Im trying to just eat fresh fruits and vegtables but I do love baked goods. I sometimes wonder how good they really are for you, I just get such cravings. Its comfort food I guess.

Steph

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Queen Serenity Newbie
Queen Serenity
Posted

Hi!

Maybe we should form our own support group! I'm from South Philly, and maybe we can meet in Center City somewhere. I can't get to Abington, I don't drive. I'm sure there are more of us in this area. I have been in this boat for 11 years. Maybe it's time to start something new. Whole Foods is defiantely one of the best places to shop! I go to the one at 10th and South. But, there is one awesome place I go in Springfield PA. It's called Martindale's. They have foods in their freezer that is to die for! :) It is baked cakes, cookies, pies, cinnamon buns, etc. Anyway, we should consider starting something. Even if we have our own chat room. Think about it. Let me know if it's a good idea.

Vicki

11 years and counting

mamaw Community Regular
mamaw
Posted

Hi All

I was in Philly (center city) in July for two weeks on business and I visited the reading treminal just about every other day for a walk. I did not fiind anything that was gluten-free.I asked at the bakeries and none claimed to have anything. I hope if you go you have better luck than I did.

If you check out Everybvody Eats they have alot of stores carrying their items. I already posted somewhere that Epicure in Spring Lake Heights , NJ carries alot of good gluten-free things. The owner Chris might deliver to Philly if you all could come up with a couple hundred dollars in sales for him... It's about an hour plus for him to get to Philly.I have no vested interest in any of this but I met Chris (nice guy) trying real hard to support a family with his business. He has many other good items and bakers doing gluten-free stuff.

I only ask that if you call him tell him Sande from Pa told you about him. I told him I would try to spread the news about his shoppe.........If any other ???? please pm me as I don't alway get back to the original post.

blessings

mamaw

rutland Enthusiast
rutland
Posted

Thats a good idea Vikki. I would be interested in starting our own support group. I do love center city, I always like to get out in the city when I can.

  • 2 weeks later...
Guest laydirain
Guest laydirain
Posted

you guys can count me in too for a support group. Im new to the forum & to the disease. I have been spending so much money at whole foods, trader joes, and wegmans...I am starting school at drexel center city campus in 2 weeks. Not looking forward to being hungry all day... Let me know if you decide to start a meeting.

the one that meets at abington is having a Big meeting on Oct 1. Is anyone going?

  • 1 month later...
lucaswe Newbie
lucaswe
Posted
you guys can count me in too for a support group. Im new to the forum & to the disease. I have been spending so much money at whole foods, trader joes, and wegmans...I am starting school at drexel center city campus in 2 weeks. Not looking forward to being hungry all day... Let me know if you decide to start a meeting.

the one that meets at abington is having a Big meeting on Oct 1. Is anyone going?

The Greater Phila Celiac Support Group meets the third Friday in October.

For those with cars, the South Jersey Celiac Support Group meets the first Sunday of each month

(except July & August). Our November 5th meeting will be our Thanksgiving covered dish. For more information, you can contact me at celiac9@earthlink.net

Bill

jerseyangel Proficient
jerseyangel
Posted
The Greater Phila Celiac Support Group meets the third Friday in October.

For those with cars, the South Jersey Celiac Support Group meets the first Sunday of each month

(except July & August). Our November 5th meeting will be our Thanksgiving covered dish. For more information, you can contact me at celiac9@earthlink.net

Bill

Hi Bill,

Where does the South Jersey group meet?

lucaswe Newbie
lucaswe
Posted
Hi Bill,

Where does the South Jersey group meet?

We meet in the Barry D. Brown Health Education Center at Virtua / West Jersey Hospital, Evesham Rd & Carne Blve, Voorhees, NJ. Meetings start at 2:00 p.m.

Here is our web site:

Open Original Shared Link

Bill

jerseyangel Proficient
jerseyangel
Posted
We meet in the Barry D. Brown Health Education Center at Virtua / West Jersey Hospital, Evesham Rd & Carne Blve, Voorhees, NJ. Meetings start at 2:00 p.m.

Here is our web site:

Open Original Shared Link

Bill

Thanks! :)

  • 3 weeks later...
elaine33 Apprentice
elaine33
Posted

Hi, I'm new and I'm outside of Philly. I obviously missed the October meeting but would love info about the next one.

lucaswe Newbie
lucaswe
Posted
Hi, I'm new and I'm outside of Philly. I obviously missed the October meeting but would love info about the next one.

Hi Elaine,

Our November meeting will be our "Thanksgiving" cover dish. You don't need to worry about

bringing something as there is always plenty of food. Our members are supposed to bring

the recipe for items that they make so that individuals with multiple sensitivities know what

they can eat. It will be on Sunday, Nov. 5 at 2 pm.

We meet at the Barry D. Brown Health Education Center at Virtua / West Jersey Hospital,

Carne Blvd, Voorhees New Jersey.

Bill Lucas, Burlington, NJ U.S.A.

lucaswe@earthlink.net

Chairman of CSA Southern New Jersey Chapter # 9;

Open Original Shared Link

elaine33 Apprentice
elaine33
Posted
Hi Elaine,

Our November meeting will be our "Thanksgiving" cover dish. You don't need to worry about

bringing something as there is always plenty of food. Our members are supposed to bring

the recipe for items that they make so that individuals with multiple sensitivities know what

they can eat. It will be on Sunday, Nov. 5 at 2 pm.

We meet at the Barry D. Brown Health Education Center at Virtua / West Jersey Hospital,

Carne Blvd, Voorhees New Jersey.

Bill Lucas, Burlington, NJ U.S.A.

lucaswe@earthlink.net

Chairman of CSA Southern New Jersey Chapter # 9;

Open Original Shared Link

Thanks Bill, I don't think tomorrow I will be able to make it possibly the cookie exchange. How long do meetings go? I teach Sunday school and then have church after so Sundays are a bit rough for me for doing things.

lucaswe Newbie
lucaswe
Posted
Thanks Bill, I don't think tomorrow I will be able to make it possibly the cookie exchange. How long do meetings go? I teach Sunday school and then have church after so Sundays are a bit rough for me for doing things.

Our meetings run from 2 thru 4.

  • 1 year later...
skinnyasparagus Apprentice
skinnyasparagus
Posted

I realize this thread is kind of old but I was wondering if some celiacs in the Philadelphia area would like to have a get together, a gluten-free picnic, or something of the sort now that summer is approaching?

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to xxnonamexx's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      1

      FDA looking for input on Celiac Gluten sensitivity labeling PLEASE READ and submit your suggestions

      Thank you for sharing this — it’s really important. The FDA is actively seeking public input on improving gluten and ingredient labeling, which could directly impact how people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity shop and stay safe. Clearer labeling would help reduce accidental gluten exposure and make it easier to identify hidden sources of gluten in ...
    2. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to lizzie42's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      1

      Low iron and vitamin d

      A low tTG is great news, but it doesn’t always mean the small intestine has fully healed yet—iron and vitamin D absorption can lag behind for months or even years, especially in young children. Many kids need supplements for a period of time while the gut repairs itself, and that doesn’t necessarily mean it will be lifelong. Morning stomach pain is also ...
    3. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to xxnonamexx's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      1

      Healthy Gluten Free Foods low sugar that you found?

      A lot of gluten-free packaged foods do rely on extra sugar, starches, or sodium to replace texture and flavor, so focusing on simpler options makes sense. Many people do better with naturally gluten-free proteins like eggs, plain yogurt, nuts, seeds, hummus, beans, and minimally processed protein bars with lower added sugar and higher fiber. Pairing those...
    4. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to lizzie42's topic in Traveling with Celiac Disease
      1

      Trip to Anaheim/Disney

      This article is a few of years old, but my still be helpful.
    5. trents
      - trents commented on Scott Adams's article in Winter 2026 Issue
      14

      Can You Really Trust Gluten-Free Menus? What Every Celiac Needs to Know Before Eating Out

      This is likely dependent on the sensitivity of the individual celiac.
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,242
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Maya Baum
    Newest Member
    Maya Baum
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.6k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Scott Adams
      FDA looking for input on Celiac Gluten sensitivity labeling PLEASE READ and submit your suggestions

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Thank you for sharing this — it’s really important. The FDA is actively seeking public input on improving gluten and ingredient labeling, which could directly impact how people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity shop and stay safe. Clearer labeling would help reduce accidental gluten exposure and make it easier to identify hidden sources of gluten in foods. I encourage everyone here who is affected by celiac or gluten sensitivity to read the announcement and submit their own suggestions — real lived experience matters and can influence policy changes that benefit the whole community.
    • Scott Adams
      Low iron and vitamin d

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      A low tTG is great news, but it doesn’t always mean the small intestine has fully healed yet—iron and vitamin D absorption can lag behind for months or even years, especially in young children. Many kids need supplements for a period of time while the gut repairs itself, and that doesn’t necessarily mean it will be lifelong. Morning stomach pain is also commonly reported in celiac kids and can be related to slow healing, reflux, motility, or even low iron itself. It sounds like the supplements are clearly helping, which is reassuring, and ongoing monitoring with her doctor can help determine when (or if) doses can be reduced as absorption improves. The most common nutrient deficiencies associated with celiac disease that may lead to testing for the condition include iron, vitamin D, folate (vitamin B9), vitamin B12, calcium, zinc, and magnesium.  Unfortunately many doctors, including my own doctor at the time, don't do extensive follow up testing for a broad range of nutrient deficiencies, nor recommend that those just diagnosed with celiac disease take a broad spectrum vitamin/mineral supplement, which would greatly benefit most, if not all, newly diagnosed celiacs. This article has more info:    
    • Scott Adams
      Healthy Gluten Free Foods low sugar that you found?

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      A lot of gluten-free packaged foods do rely on extra sugar, starches, or sodium to replace texture and flavor, so focusing on simpler options makes sense. Many people do better with naturally gluten-free proteins like eggs, plain yogurt, nuts, seeds, hummus, beans, and minimally processed protein bars with lower added sugar and higher fiber. Pairing those with whole foods can help you feel more “normal” without triggering symptoms. Subscription boxes can be hit or miss, so checking labels carefully and using them as an occasional supplement—rather than a staple—often works best.
    • Scott Adams
      Trip to Anaheim/Disney

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      This article is a few of years old, but my still be helpful.  
    • knitty kitty
      Accuracy of testing concerns

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      Welcome to the forum, @McKinleyWY, For a genetic test, you don't have to eat gluten, but this will only show if you have the genes necessary for the development of Celiac disease.  It will not show if you have active Celiac disease.   Eating gluten stimulates the production of antibodies against gluten which mistakenly attack our own bodies.  The antibodies are produced in the small intestines.  Three grams of gluten are enough to make you feel sick and ramp up anti-gluten antibody production and inflammation for two years afterwards.  However, TEN grams of gluten or more per day for two weeks is required to stimulate anti-gluten antibodies' production enough so that the anti-gluten antibodies move out of the intestines and into the bloodstream where they can be measured in blood tests.  This level of anti-gluten antibodies also causes measurable damage to the lining of the intestines as seen on biopsy samples taken during an endoscopy (the "gold standard" of Celiac diagnosis).   Since you have been experimenting with whole wheat bread in the past year or so, possibly getting cross contaminated in a mixed household, and your immune system is still so sensitized to gluten consumption, you may want to go ahead with the gluten challenge.   It can take two years absolutely gluten free for the immune system to quit reacting to gluten exposure.   Avoiding gluten most if the time, but then experimenting with whole wheat bread is a great way to keep your body in a state of inflammation and illness.  A diagnosis would help you stop playing Russian roulette with your and your children's health.      
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.