A company based in Maryland is on a mission to make dining experiences and special events more inclusive for individuals living with celiac disease, while also raising awareness about the condition. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the body cannot properly absorb gluten. As a result, many people affected by it often feel left out.
In 1999, Jules Shepard was diagnosed with celiac disease. At that time, she found that there were limited baking supply options available to her.
“When people hear ‘gluten-free,’ they often think of gritty textures or bad flavors,” Shepard shared with WBAL-TV 11 News. “I didn’t want that for my gluten-free meals. Celiac disease means I will be living with this for the rest of my life, so I sought something better.”
Determined to find a solution, she began to experiment with wheat-free alternatives to create her own flour mix, which ultimately led to the establishment of gfJules, a gluten-free baking products company located in Owings Mills. According to Shepard, her bread and pizza dough mixes are particularly popular among customers.
“Those are the items that people often miss when they switch to a gluten-free diet,” she noted.
Shepard emphasized that gfJules also serves as a platform to educate others about celiac diagnoses and lifestyle changes.
“Celiac disease is notoriously difficult to diagnose,” Shepard explained. “Even today, despite the wealth of information available, the average time to diagnose is still between six to ten years.”
She believes that Celiac Awareness Month is crucial because food is central to social interactions, and dietary accommodations are essential for inclusive experiences.
“Eating is woven into our daily lives in numerous ways,” Shepard remarked. “It influences everything from business lunches to dating and holiday gatherings. How can we make sure everyone feels included in these moments?”
For those interested in exploring gfJules’ products or trying out recipes, more information is available on the company’s website. To learn more about celiac disease, consider utilizing online resources from the National Celiac Association.
By focusing on high-quality gluten-free products, this Maryland-based company aims not only to improve the dining experience for those with celiac disease but also to foster greater understanding and acceptance in the community. Through efforts like Celiac Awareness Month, they continue to advocate for inclusivity and education, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their meals together.
