Dole Partners with Celiac Disease Foundation to Promote Awareness

Dole Packaged Foods announced that they are a proud sponsor of Celiac Disease Foundation (CDF), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to driving early diagnosis and treatment of celiac disease through advocacy, education and advancing research to improve the quality of life for all people affected by gluten-related disorders. Celiac disease, a genetic autoimmune disorder in which the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine affects one in 100 people worldwide, and often goes undiagnosed, say officials at the organization; it is estimated that 83% of Americans with the disease do not know that they have it. By sponsoring CDF, Dole will help bring attention to the disease, in addition to highlighting gluten-free products in its fruit-based portfolio via on package call outs, its website, advertising, promotion and social media. “We are proud to be partnering with Celiac Disease Foundation and help in bringing needed attention to this issue,” says Barbara Vass, marketing director of Dole Packaged Foods. “We know that living with gluten sensitivities can present challenges and CDF does important work in assisting those with the disease.” Marilyn G. Geller, CEO of Celiac Disease Foundation, welcomes Doles sponsorship: “Partnering with Dole Packaged Foods to raise awareness of celiac disease and gluten sensitivity is the next step in our evolution of community outreach, and we are excited at the prospect of the things that we can accomplish together,” she says. Dole will also be supporting the CDF National Conference & Gluten-Free Expo at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, CA on June 7 – 8, 2014. It is the largest meeting of its kind in the country, providing education support of celiac disease and gluten-related disorders to attendees who depend on gluten-free products and services to support their medically required diet.