AMBLER, Pa. (September 13, 2012) – In honor of Celiac Awareness Day, the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA), a national nonprofit dedicated to increasing diagnoses and improving quality of life for those with gluten-related disorders, has announced the Grand Prize winner of the first-ever Gluten-Free Pantry Raid sweepstakes. Valued at $3,000, the Grand Prize includes a $500 gluten-free shopping spree at Walmart and a $2,500 in-home consultation with an expert dietitian.

Anna Littlejohn of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., was randomly selected as the Grand Prize winner from more than 1,500 entries in the sweepstakes. She entered the contest in honor of Olivia Jade, her 5-year-old daughter who was diagnosed with celiac disease at age 2.

“I am elated to have won such a valuable prize for something I am so passionate about,” Littlejohn said.

NFCA Founder & President Alice Bast will join Littlejohn for the gluten-free shopping spree this fall, which will be filmed for an educational video about reading ingredient labels, choosing gluten-free products and safely storing those items in the kitchen.

“Maintaining a gluten-free diet can be a challenge, especially for families on a budget,” Bast said. “The Gluten-Free Pantry Raid and resulting video will address those pitfalls and offer proven ways to shop smart while meeting the specific dietary needs of celiac and gluten sensitive family members.”

The Gluten-Free Pantry Raid sweepstakes is sponsored by Walmart, Cabot Creamery, Crunchmaster and Glutino.

Celiac Awareness Day recognizes the birthday of Samuel Gee, a pediatrician who first recognized a connection between celiac disease and diet back in 1888.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune digestive disorder affecting an estimated 3 million Americans. Eighty-five percent of people with celiac disease are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. The disease can cause debilitating symptoms and, if left untreated, lead to life-threatening health conditions. There is no cure, but celiac disease can be treated with a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet.

NFCA notes that it is critical to get tested for celiac disease before adopting a gluten-free diet. If you suspect you may have celiac disease, visit the Celiac Disease Symptoms Checklist.

About the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness
Through empowerment, education and advocacy, the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) drives diagnoses of celiac disease and other gluten-related disorders and improves the quality of life for those on a lifelong gluten-free diet. For more information, please visit www.beyondceliac.org.

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