Celebrating 50 Years of Advocacy: Our Journey at GIG

This year, the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) are thrilled to celebrate 50 years of advocating for, supporting, and transforming the lives of the celiac and gluten-free community. This incredible milestone reflects the vision and dedication of the trailblazers who have guided us along the way, starting with our founder, Elaine Hartsook, PhD, RD, and carried forward by Cynthia (Kupper) Kelly. Together, their leadership has shaped GIG into the global leader it is today. 

 Our Founder: Elaine Hartsook, PhD, RD 

In 1974, celiac disease was considered a rare orphan disease, and very little was understood about its causes or dietary management. That’s when Elaine Hartsook, PhD, RD, stepped in. A recognized international authority on nutrition and gluten intolerance, Elaine created the first-ever gluten-free dietary guidelines for the American Dietetic Association, guidelines that were adopted worldwide. 

Elaine’s work went far beyond setting standards. She fostered a supportive community where individuals could find resources, education, and encouragement. Back then, living gluten-free meant finding creative ways to bake bread, decipher ingredient labels, and navigate a world with almost no gluten-free options. Elaine’s groundbreaking efforts brought global attention to the nutritional needs of people with celiac disease and laid the foundation for what GIG has become.

Her vision—to empower people to live healthier, fuller lives—still drives our mission today. 

 Cynthia Kelly: A Visionary Leader 

When Cynthia Kelly joined us, first as a volunteer and later as our executive director and CEO, she brought a personal understanding of celiac disease and a professional background as a registered dietitian. Her leap of faith—leaving behind a career in hospital clinical practice—transformed GIG from a local organization into an international leader in gluten-free living. 

Cynthia spearheaded some of the most impactful programs in our history: 

• Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO): Under Cynthia’s leadership, we launched GFCO, which celebrates 20 years next year. GFCO became a trusted global standard, ensuring safe gluten-free foods long before FDA gluten-free labeling regulations were finalized. One Florida mother shared, “All my 4-year-old had to do was look for the GFCO logo, and she knew she could eat a food. It helped her feel safe when eating at her friend’s house.”

• Advancing Labeling Standards: Cynthia worked closely with the FDA, USDA, and Health Canada to develop consistent gluten-free labeling regulations, giving consumers the confidence they deserve.
• Strengthening Professional Expertise: She founded the Dietitians in Gluten-Related Disorders (DIGID) group and helped develop the Celiac Disease Toolkit for the American Academy of Nutrition, equipping dietitians to better support those with gluten intolerance.
• Creating Safe Dining Options: Cynthia launched our Gluten-Free Food Service (GFFS) program, partnering with restaurants, schools, and institutions to ensure safe dining options for those living gluten-free.

Cynthia’s visionary leadership reflects her unwavering commitment to making life easier, safer, and healthier for the gluten-free community. 

 The Heart of GIG: Our Community 

Our work wouldn’t be possible without the incredible individuals and families we serve. As Madelyn Smith, founder of the GIG of Richmond support group, reflects: 

“Receiving my celiac diagnosis over 25 years ago was life-changing, but finding the right resources was a challenge. Support groups were scarce, and reliable information was hard to come by. When my husband and I decided to start a local group, I called GIG and was met with Cynthia (Kupper) Kelly’s excitement and encouragement. That call marked the beginning of our GIG of Richmond branch, which became a hub for education and support. Being part of GIG, both locally and nationally, has enriched my life beyond measure. It’s a true celebration of 50 years of making a positive, healthy difference for gluten-intolerant people everywhere.”

 50 Years of Accomplishments 

Over the past five decades, we’ve: 

• Set Global Standards: GFCO and GFFS have revolutionized food safety, ensuring millions of consumers have access to safe gluten-free products and dining options.
• Advanced Research and Awareness: From Elaine’s dietary guidelines to Cynthia’s advocacy with NIH and DIGID, we’ve contributed to groundbreaking progress in understanding celiac disease.
• Built Community Support: Through local and online support groups, we’ve connected individuals and families to resources, encouragement, and each other.
• Advocated for Change: We’ve worked with policymakers and industry leaders to improve food labeling standards and foster inclusivity.

 Looking Ahead 

As we celebrate 50 years of progress, we remain as dedicated as ever to our mission. With programs like GFCO and GFFS leading the way, we’re committed to empowering the gluten-free community, advancing food safety, and advocating for those with celiac disease. 

This journey wouldn’t be possible without you. We invite you to help us shape the next chapter of GIG’s story—whether through donations, volunteering, or participating in our programs. Together, we can build a brighter, healthier future for everyone living gluten-free. 

Visit http://www.gluten.org  to learn more about how you can get involved. 

Hear GIG’s and the community’s story as shared by Shelley Case, RD and Cynthia at https://gluten.org/elementor-18679/

Happy 50th Anniversary to us all—here’s to the next 50 years!