Here are e-mails from two members of America’s Gluten Free community who — like all of us — are dealing the current economic situation.

From Wisconsin: In my area it is over 50 miles to the nearest store that carries more than just the basic gluten-free food.  I have found that I do not shop at these long-distance stores as I used to, I do not use the internet either as the shipping fees are, what I consider to be, high. As far as restaurants, we have two restaurants in the area that serve "some" gluten-free food, however, after being laid off this past winter for 4 months, we are not eating out at all – it’s just too expensive. My shopping habits – I am finding that we are eating healthier probably than when we were getting the gluten-free foods that are prepackaged etc.  We eat much less pasta, more rice which can be purchased off the regular grocery store shelf, watch for sales on fruits and vegetables etc.  We have to make do.  Last summer/fall I canned a lot of my vegetables and fruits that I grew in my garden.  I will be doubling that this year as that has been a life-saver for us and saved us a tremendous amount of money!  I also know EXACTLY what is in each jar that I open!

Another Point-of-View: Even before starting a G-F life, we didn’t go out much since we only want the best and found it more affordable to eat at home. That said, I’m a real cracker snacker and have cut down on the number of boxes we buy because crackers can get pretty expensive even when not G-F.

For more ideas on this timely subject, you may wish to read or reread these articles. My first article was called "The Gluten Free Diet vs. The Budget". My second article included two letters in which celiacs shared their experiences with the economic situation.

Published 06/06/09

Published