​​Do you ever wonder what would happen to you or your family if one day you woke up and had no job? Or what if you couldn't afford to buy food for your family because your savings were going to pay the rent? That's what many families in our country face on a daily basis. Thank goodness there are food pantry's and soup kitchen set up to feed those in need. But sadly these organizations are not able to accommodate those individuals with food allergies, intolerances, and autoimmune diseases like celiac disease which requires a lifelong gluten free diet as the only way to stay healthy.

Men, women, and their children who live with food allergies are at a greater risk of food insecurity. If they can not afford to buy allergy free foods, they could go hungry, become malnourished and increasingly sick.

That's why I started The Rachel Way, a gluten-free, dairy free Food Pantry in Plymouth Meeting, Pa. Our mission is to collect and distribute allergy friendly foods to those in need. Since our doors opened in 2015, our shelves have been lined with gluten and dairy free foods. We've been able to provide these allergen-safe foods as well as educational support for many in need. The Rachel Way is seen as a "safe haven" for those in our community and beyond who are at risk of going hungry and becoming ill.

The daughter of one of our client family's had been constantly sick because she was not able to get milk substitutes or other dairy free foods at her local conventional food pantry. Today this young girl is able to drink coconut milk, and eat cereal, pancakes, non-dairy mac and cheese, and even have yummy desserts all provided by donations made to The Rachel Way.

Many parents we see are struggling to put food on their tables because they can't afford the high cost of gluten free food for their children with celiac disease. To see these parents burst into tears of joy from relief that they now are able to provide their child or themselves with food that won't make them sick is extremely rewarding.

Our hope is to eventually serve other communities in need in the greater Philadelphia area. Right now we are raising funds to purchase a food delivery truck that will allow us to transport the allergy safe foods directly to those individuals who do not have the ability to visit our location in Plymouth Meeting.

Every cent donated goes toward feeding and supporting families who require gluten and dairy free foods in order to live a safe and healthy life.

We are grateful for any contribution made to The Rachel Way. We are a 501(c)3 organization. Your donation is tax-deductible.

Thank you for considering The Rachel Way with your charitable giving.

Heather Gannon
Founder, The Rachel Way and mom of Rachel
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