Help finding GF food in US

[sagewolf]

I have a problem: In a few days my family and I are going to America to visit relatives and escape the Irish summer, but my brother is coeliac (so can't eat gluten, in wheat, rye, barley or oats)and we don't know of any reliable sources of gluten-free food in the USA. He's also autistic, and the gf diet is part of his treatment (it really does help him). We can bring snacks, but nothing that would make up a proper meal. My mother is very very worried over this but has not thought to, I dunno, ask, so I have brought this little issue to you. Any gluten free food should have this symbol on it (or something similar):

Any information on yeast-free food would be useful too, since my sister gets thrush in her mouth if she eats yeast. It's not as urgent as the gluten-free stuff, though. Anything you know-- supermarkets, brands, would be extremely useful.

 

[Inappropriate Behavior]

It depends on where you'll be exactly but first thing to look into is WholeFoods market. It's semi-national chain and if there is one within 30 miles or so of where you'll be, you should be able to find plenty. Their website offers lists of specific items as well as store locations.

Another possibility is the Gluten Free supermarket (which is online ordering) if you want to have stuff delivered to where you'll be.

Out of curiosity, exactly where in the US is an escape from the Irish summer? Or were you being facetious? Or are you trying to escape a more comfortable environment for a miserable one?

 

[sagewolf]

Thanks IB, that's a big help! I'll look into those. Anywhere in the US that has sun (i.e, except Alaska) is a suitable escape. Irish 'summer' is summer only in that it gets warmer. It never really stops raining. Every now and then it gets up to 20 degrees. (Alright, fine, it's not that bad, but it's still a poor excuse for a summer. There's flash flooding all over the country right now, it's been raining so hard. )

 

[Decaf]

If you come to the west coast you should shop for grains from Bob's Red Mill. Its a local Portland company, but they have an extensive list of wheat alternatives. I may be biased because its local, but its the best grain distributor I'm aware of anywhere.

 

[Grove]

Now a days any larger chain grocery store should have a section devoted to organic/health foods. You won't find a large selection, but it might be enough to tide you over until you can find a better source. I'd stay clear of Wal-Mart though.

 

[sagewolf]

@Decaf: Thanks for the input; I like buying locally too, but we'll be on the east coast. So shoot. (WV)

@Glove: I did expect that: even the supermarkets here have little sections. (By little, I mean they devote as much space to single specific types of cereal, so I was also worried that was all we'd find.)