Publix

[FMcGee]

Okay, this might not be useful to anyone, because no one has ever responded to my post about other celiacs in Gainesville on the Support Groups board. However, I cannot possibly be the only celiac in Gainesville, because a brand new Publix has opened here in town (by the Target on Archer, for any locals who might be here) and it is AMAZING. They have a big gluten-free section with the best mixes, cookies, crackers, cereals, etc. They also have a freezer section that is dedicated to gluten-free. AND they only carry Boarshead deli meats, which are gluten-free (and their deli employees don't make the sandwiches - all different people, no cross-contamination). I spoke with the manager and told him the store made me so happy I was almost in tears, and he said he is very proud of their gluten-free selection and asked me to come to him if I have any products I'd recommend they carry. They also carry, in their produce section, gluten-free things like buckwheat groat that I have trouble finding even at the town's biggest health food store. So, if you live in Gainesville or are traveling through, check out the new Publix in Butler Plaza next to Target. It's worth the trip.

[digmom1014]

My mom just sent me info. on the Publix on Longboat Key. Sounds awesome. Maybe all he Publix are headed to a more gluten-free inventory?!

Thanks for posting it-it will definately help others traveling in the south. Unfortunely, NC is not far south enough to have one.

[FMcGee]

I think Publix in general is trying to step up, yeah. I wrote an e-mail to corporate to tell them how great the new store is, and they said they're trying hard to meet peoples' dietary needs, in recognition of the fact that a lot of people out there have celiac disease, lactose intolerance, nut allergies, diabetes, etc. The corporation (which doesn't employ me or anyone I know) earned my respect for that. Other local grocery stores are not making the same effort.

[darkmoonsinger]

  FMcGee said:

Okay, this might not be useful to anyone, because no one has ever responded to my post about other celiacs in Gainesville on the Support Groups board...

I'm so jealous! I'm new to Cocoa Beach, and the gluten-free selection here is pitiful. I've actually found good luck with Wal*Mart, for crying out loud, because they've gone to the trouble of getting all of their non-gluten-containing stuff tested and marked gluten-free.

*wanders over to the support group board, a new thing to her...*

-Jamie

Self-dagnosed January 2009 via elimination diet and challenge

Doctor diagnosed "either celiac disease or IBS-GS" January 2009

Antibody negative, January 2009

Genetic marker negative

Too chicken to go back to gluten to get 'scoped. tongue.gif

[FMcGee]

  darkmoonsinger said:

I'm so jealous! I'm new to Cocoa Beach, and the gluten-free selection here is pitiful. I've actually found good luck with Wal*Mart, for crying out loud, because they've gone to the trouble of getting all of their non-gluten-containing stuff tested and marked gluten-free.

Have you tried asking your grocery manager to order things for you? It's worth a shot, and any grocer worth his salt will try to work with you.

[archaeo in FL]

FMcGee, I'm relatively new to Gainesville, and newly diagnosed. I try to stay away from Archer Road unless absolutely necessary, but every once in a while maybe I'll make it over to that Publix to see if their gluten-free section is still as good as it was when you posted this (besides, my partner would like to get some of that local beer near there!). Thanks for the tip!