Farmers Market Fights

[kenlove]

I set up weekly at a Farmers Market herein Kona and often visit some of the other ones since my job is to help farmers.

yesterday while visiting one of the other ones I scolded one of the vendors for selling gluten-free breads and cupcakes made with kamut and spelt. She tried to assure me that they were gluten free. Asked if she was celiac and of course she said whats that..

Thats when I tried to explain spelt and kamut were types of wheat and not gluten free and that she could make someone very sick.

Well she refused to accept this of course so I got rather upset about it and started chasing away some of her customers.

Granted, not the nicest thing to do but since I didnt want to see the other celiacs who come to this market get sick I wanted to make sure people knew. When I told this to people at other markets they changed sign and one person did research and started using other gluten-free flours and making some great tarts and bars. This person was very different and convinced that selling things gluten-free was a way to make money -- even when it wasnt gluten-free. Guess its a constant battle..Fortunately the market owners who I've helped with their farm operations told the vendor she had to research it or she couldnt sell it next week.

ken

[elonwy]

Thank you for fighting the good fight. My mom lives in Hilo and I can't tell you how many times people keep trying to give her spelt or kamut. She yells at them, but some people are just so stubborn, especially when they are convinced they are right. I will be sure to check out that market and hunt you down next time I visit home Not that I know when that will be.....*sigh*

[mamaw]

Hi Ken

Thank you so much . You certainly did the right thing in this case. I have a person near me that fifteen years ago a doctor said spelt was okay to eat on the gluten-free diet, well of course today we all know that isn't true but these people continue to believe because it came from a doctor, it was ok. I have sent them educational maerials & also asked that they go back to the doctor & vertify the info as the world of gluten-free is changing before our eyes. They also still believe children can outgrow celiac. I've tried & tried . I know sometimes we must lokk like the villian.....

Keep up the good work, you may have saved a few from being sick.....

blessings

mamaw

[sickchick]

That has to be SO frustrating, Ken.

xoxo

[Rook's Mommy]

Thank God the owner listened to you. That is insane.

[kenlove]

You'll have to come to the Kona side then, I've only been to Hilo 14 or 15 times in the last 30 years <G>

Thank you for fighting the good fight. My mom lives in Hilo and I can't tell you how many times people keep trying to give her spelt or kamut. She yells at them, but some people are just so stubborn, especially when they are convinced they are right. I will be sure to check out that market and hunt you down next time I visit home Not that I know when that will be.....*sigh*

[kenlove]

Thanks Mamaw!

Hi Ken

Thank you so much . You certainly did the right thing in this case. I have a person near me that fifteen years ago a doctor said spelt was okay to eat on the gluten-free diet, well of course today we all know that isn't true but these people continue to believe because it came from a doctor, it was ok. I have sent them educational maerials & also asked that they go back to the doctor & vertify the info as the world of gluten-free is changing before our eyes. They also still believe children can outgrow celiac. I've tried & tried . I know sometimes we must lokk like the villian.....

Keep up the good work, you may have saved a few from being sick.....

blessings

mamaw

[kenlove]

Thanks -- it really is especially when they argue with me.

When I go to a market, I'm always surrounded by people asking questions about avocados and when to harvest or how to sell some weird tropical fruit so I'm always in a position of educator. I guess sometimes you have to stick the horses head in the water so it knows it can drink... <G>

That has to be SO frustrating, Ken.

xoxo