Nonprofit launches gluten free store
RACINE — Careers Industries will soon open a local store specializing in gluten free and natural foods, that will also be a training ground for its clients with disabilities.
Careers said Greater Grain Gluten Free Goods will open March 1 at Westgate Square, 4901 Washington Ave. Last year Careers renovated 52,000 square feet of space in Westgate’s southwest corner and now has its headquarters there.
The new approximately 1,000-square-foot shop will have its own entrance at Careers’ northwest corner.
Greater Grain will also sell certified-organic, grass-fed beef and certified-organic, free-range chicken — both from Juneau, Wis. — and Alaskan salmon.
If the store proves wildly successful, it can be expanded, said Careers Industries Executive Director Joe Greene.
Greater Grain will provide job training and employment for people with disabilities who will work there two hours per day, learning customer service skills, Greene said. After 30 days eachperson will “graduate,” and staff will help them seek regular retail employment.
The shop is also an effort to provide Careers with a new revenue source. “While we are coming off of a successful 40th year, we still face the threat of more budget cuts in this uncertain economy,” Greene said.
“We’ve been actively pursuing additional business opportunities for our participants that will both increase their wages and add to our bottom line.”
Gluten sensitivity
According to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, nearly 21 million people have celiac disease or some form of sensitivity to gluten, a protein found in all foods and products containing wheat, barley, and rye. The disease affects as many as 3 million Americans, and the only treatment is a lifelong gluten free diet.
The University of Maryland’s Center for Celiac Research estimates about 6 percent of the U.S. population, or 18 million people, suffers from gluten sensitivity — but typically test negative for celiac disease in diagnostic blood tests.
Gluten-free food sales have been estimated at $6.2 billion a
year.
Careers said most grocery stores carry some gluten free products but with limited selection and availability in Racine County. Greene, whose wife has celiac disease, said they often go to Milwaukee’s west suburbs to find gluten free products.
Besides offering convenience, Greater Grain will allow customers a chance to support Career Industries with every purchase, the organization noted.
The store will be open Monday through Saturday.
For more information, call (262) 752-4100 or visit www.careersindustries.org.
Gluten free Recipes with Bill & Sheila
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