In 2004, the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) tasked the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to develop and finalize standards for gluten-free labeling. Due in 2008, the celiac community is still waiting for FDA to fulfill that mandate. To the millions of Americans who eat gluten-free food, the lack of a standard is a big deal.

In January 2011, frustrated by the lack of progress on the labeling front two gluten-free activists, triathlete John Forberger, and Jules Shepard author of “The First Year: Celiac Disease and Living Gluten-Free,” devised a plan to build the world’s tallest gluten-free cake. They rallied leaders throughout the celiac community and beyond to join them in May, in the nation’s capitol, to kick-off Celiac Awareness Month. The goal -- refocus attention on the overdue labeling rules. That effort, along with the weight of the world's largest gluten-free cake, had an impact that resonated across the country.

Were we successful? Read on

The Countdown Begins

The FDA has a goal of finishing the gluten-free standards by the end of September. That means there are 233 days until (fingers crossed) the U.S. finally has clear GF labeling, counting down from the start of National Celiac Awareness Month on May 1st.

Cupcakes With A Cause

In May 2011, news outlets from coast to coast were buzzing about gluten-free labeling. Activist chefs gathered in Washington, DC, to build the world's tallest gluten free cake, while advocates hosted a summit for gluten-free labeling.

Congress and the FDA heard us and we ate cake!

This year, it was cake for one. Everyone was invited to make cupcakes - - one for every gluten-free year. Our Cupcakes With A Cause received over 80 entries and they were AMAZING! From an individual diagnosed a mere 9 months ago to several with decades of behind them. Moms, dads, and Girl Scouts all joined in the celebration. The call for cupcakes was even heard from as far away as Venezuela!

The grand prize is awarded to Paula Navarette for the most ‘likes’ and her darling clown design. Congratulations! To view all the entries go to our pinterest site.

Other winners include:

Most Likes

2^nd - Carly Orgren (37)
3^rd - Megan Maloney (34)

Best designs

1st - Erica Nafzier, Marshmallow sheep cupcakes
2^nd - Jennifer Lantz, Very Hungry Caterpiller
3^rd – Pablo Douros, GF Guitar

Creative Flavor

1st – Lainey Beeftink, Apple Pie cupcakes
2^nd - Jennifer Ward, Chocolate Stout Cupcakes - made with Green's Dubbel Dark Ale
3^rd – Kyra Bussanich, GF Persian Love Cake (cardamom, saffron and pistachio) cupcakes

Longest Diagnosed – Lisa Gluten Free Find, 34 years
Newest Diagnosed – Carly Orgren, 9 months

Kids Over 12

1^st - Dominick Cura
2^nd - Liza Greenburg

Honorable Mentions

Suzette Hotta Reagan’s Brownie / Girl Scout Troop. The troop made awareness month posters and decorated cupcakes in recognition of Suzette’s daughter, a fellow Brownie.

Nefer Cookies. Demonstrating that awareness efforts are underway throughout the world in May, they joined our celebration by sending an entry from Caracus, Venezuela.

Spread the word.

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