Rudi’s Hopes to ‘Spread the Bread’ for Celiac Awareness
Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery and the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) are aiming to stimulate greater awareness of celiac disease through a national coupon program, “Spread the Bread.”
Through the program, Boulder, Colo.-based Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery will support NFCA’s efforts to educate physicians on the diagnosis of celiac disease through its Continuing Medical Education (CME) program.
“Every year, millions of people suffer unnecessarily as a result of the lack of diagnosis of celiac disease,” explained Alice Bast, founder and president of the Ambler, Pa.-based nonprofit organization. “Our mission is to decrease the amount of time it takes for someone to get diagnosed, improve quality of life, and with the support of companies like Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery, we can better reach that goal.”
For every $1 off coupon downloaded for a loaf of Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bread, the company will donate a dollar to support the NFCA’s activities, up to $20,000. Coupons can be found on Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery’s website and Facebook page through February, or until the goal is reached.
“We created Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery so people with celiac disease and gluten intolerance can once again take pleasure in eating tasty and healthy breads,” noted Doug Radi, VP of marketing for Boulder, Colo.-based Rudi’s Organic Bakery, which is the only nationally available brand offering a full line of certified organic bread and baked goods. “In addition to creating great-tasting gluten-free breads, we’re also committed to raising awareness and furthering education about celiac disease through partnerships with organizations like NFCA. The Continuing Medical Education program’s goal to teach doctors to diagnose celiac disease will greatly impact the gluten-free community.”
Although as many as 3 million people in the United States alone may suffer from celiac disease, fewer than 200,000 are diagnosed. Through partnerships with organizations such as NFCA, Rudi’s goal is to elevate the level of education and awareness on celiac disease and gluten-intolerance, as well as publicizing the gluten-free diet, through local and national initiatives.
Launched in July 2010, Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery breads, which come in Original, Multigrain and Cinnamon Raisin varieties, are carried at natural food stores and select mainstream supermarkets across the country. To visit the Spread the Bread site, go to www.rudisglutenfree.com/spread-the-bread-coupon/.