not labeled gluten-free. 64% of gluten-free consumers who
normally don’t dine out said they would if gluten-free menus
were available. It saves server and chef time because the
protocols are already in place and understood. The gluten-
free consumer who can now eat at that restaurant may also
bring along other diners. Some restaurants have reported that
they receive at least one gluten-free customer every single
day. Since they still serve regular meals as well, the restau-
rants retain their identity. GFRAP is mutually beneficial, since
gluten-free diners can feel comfortable eating in these restau-
rants, and the restaurants see an increase in sales.
Q: How do Restaurants join the Gluten-Free Restaurant
program?
A: Restaurants can join by contacting me at gfrapkaren@
yahoo.com or 914.552.0703. There is a one-time fee of
$100 for the first year and then $50 yearly dues thereafter to
cover operating and materials costs. If the restaurant agrees
to participate, guideline materials will be sent and GFRAP
will educate the restaurant regarding the diet and safe food
preparation. The educational materials will include the
Informative Manual, which outlines all the guidelines, and
laminated guidelines posters for food preparation areas.
They’ll also get a “GFRAP participating restaurant” window
decal and a sample server card. GFRAP will then help the
restaurant develop a gluten-free menu, which may require
very few modifications to their regular menu depending on
the type of food prepared.
Publicity includes a listing of the restaurant on the
GFRAP website glutenfreerestaurants.org and the Westchester
Celiac Sprue Support Group (WCSSG) website westchester-
celiacs.org. Participating restaurants are also promoted to
support groups nationwide and featured on national gluten-
free listservs.
Q: How does someone volunteer to become a Resource
Person for the Gluten-Free Restaurant program?
A: We are always looking for new Resource Persons. They
don’t have to live in Westchester and the restaurant doesn’t
have to be in Westchester either. We are especially looking
for volunteers in Putnam. This involves a brief training ses-
sion (usually about an hour) over the phone. Anyone who is
interested can contact me (see above) for more information.
Q: You also have services that help individuals with these
issues. How do people join WCSSG and what resources do
you offer your members?
A: Membership is $25 per family a year, renewable each
January. There is also an additional $5 new member fee. To
join, please send a note requesting membership with your
name, address, phone, email and a check for $30 made out
to WCSSG to:
Carol Canariato, Treasurer WCSSG, 16 Shield Drive, Wood-
cliff Lake, NJ 07677.
If you have children who would like to participate in the
Kids Club, please also include their names and dates of birth.
9
September 2008
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