Traverse Area Gluten Free Support Group

Who We Are

The Traverse Area Gluten Free Support Group (TAGFSG) provides information and resources to those who cannot tolerate wheat, barley, rye and oats in their diet.  The TAGFSG serves the counties of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau in Michigan.

Whether you live in the area or are just visiting our beautiful area in northwest lower Michigan we make following a Gluten Free diet easier and more understandable!  Make sure to check out our newest page Traveling in Michigan.

Traverse Area Gluten Free Support Group (TAGFSG) is Chapter 21 of the Celiac Sprue Association,  P.O. Box 31700 Omaha, NE  68131-0700.  877-CSA-4-CSA  www.csaceliacs.org.

We have provided a Local Links page with the following:

Local Restaurant Information
Specialty Food Stores with Gluten Free Products
Local Manufacturers offering Gluten Free Products

We are a 501(C) (3) Non-Profit Organization.  Any references to businesses or websites is for informational purposes only and should not be misconstrued as an endorsement.

What We Do

We have a new meeting schedule for the 2010 year and a new location.  We will meet every other month starting in January on the 2nd Thursday.  Every other month will be a Dinner Outing starting in February on the 2nd Thursday

Our new location is First Christian Church, 3686 South Airport Road West in Traverse City (west of Best Buy). 

We have informative speakers from our area as well as nationally known speakers. 

Very popular, are our Dinner Outings with local restaurants and Special Events where we get together and share information.

Some of our recent meetings have had the following:

• Medical Speakers
• GF Restaurant Dinners
• Local GF Food Manufacturer Discussion Panel
• Nationally known Gluten Free Cookbook Author

If you would like to learn more about our group, where we meet, and when we meet just click About Us.
 

  Next Meeting Info and

Recent Events

Dinner Outing/Fundraiser

We will be having a Dinner Outing at the M22 Cafe Arcadia with the Manistee/Ludington Group.  This will take place on Thursday, April 8 at 7:00 pm.  They are located at 17201 Northwood Hwy or M22 in Arcadia.

The owner has graciously agreed to donate 5% of proceeds to fund the Gluten Free Children's Camp Scholarship.  The owner/chef is also on strict gluten free diet and will provide delicious locally sourced gluten free menu choices for us.  The M22 Cafe Arcadia is will be offering a salad, choice of entrees and dessert for $14.95.  The restaurant currently serves breakfast, lunch and dinner GF choices.  Guests are welcome.

Please contact Barb at 943.9285 or Jack at 275.6410 by April 2 for reservations.  More info can be found at m22cafearcadia.com.

Retail Food Panel Discussion

On March 11 we had a discussion panel with Sandy McArthur of Oryana natural Foods market, Jessica Edson of Edson Farms natural Foods, and Sherry Dennett of Dennetts Gluten Free Creations.   Each speaker discussed their approach to selecting and purchasing GF foods for their businesses.  All speakers encouraged feedback on items they carry and suggestions for new products.  

 Dinner Outing

at Tuscan Bistro

On February 11 en enjoyed a Dinner Outing at the Tuscan Bistro of Traverse City.  They are located at 12930 S. West Bay Shore Drive. The Tuscan Bistro did not disappoint and prepared delicious freshly prepared dinners for us.  GF options are always available.  More info can be found at gabbysbaysidebistro.com.

Restaurant Forum

On January 14, we held a   Restaurant Forum.   Restaurant Owner/Managers  discussed issues of preparing gluten free food, employee training, and preparing gluten free menu items or a gluten free men.  Speakers included Richard Lannin of M22 Cafe Arcadia, Pat Buck of Little Caesars and Jack Thole of TAGFSG Restaurant Committee. 

Recent Meeting

Laura McCain, Registered Dietitian, Graduate Chef and Dietitian Adviser as our featured speaker

The Traverse Area Gluten Free Support Group (TAGFSG) had Laura Mc Cain RD, Graduate Chef and TAGFSG Dietary Advisor as their speaker on Monday, November 9, 2009.

Laura spoke about the importance of Vitamin D in our diet and Immunity Boosting Foods and ways to incorporate them into a GF diet deliciously.  She will also discuss the latest in GF food trends and baking.  Laura has taught GF Baking with NMC and counsels newly diagnosed celiacs through Munson Medical Center. 

Recent Speaker

Our Medical Adviser, Robert Barnes, MD Gastroenterologist spoke on recent developments in gluten intolerance and sensitivities, research updates, testing and diagnosis.  There was then a lively question and answer session.  As always Dr. Barnes provided wisdom and guidance for the group.

Make sure to check out our Calendar page for more:

•  Local Meetings
• Dinner Outings
  

• Children's Meetings and Events
• Regional and National Events