Dole Packaged Foods announced today that they are now 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.
Westlake Village, CA, March 12, 2014 — Dole Packaged Foods announced today that they are now 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 1 in 100 people worldwide, and often goes undiagnosed. It is estimated that 83 percent 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”, stated 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.”
“It is with great pleasure that we welcome Dole Packaged Foods’ sponsorship of CDF,” stated Marilyn G. Geller, CEO of Celiac Disease Foundation. “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.” 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.
About Dole Packaged Foods
Dole Packaged Foods LLC, a subsidiary of Dole International Holdings, is a leader in sourcing, processing, distributing and marketing fruit products and healthy snacks throughout the world. Dole markets a full line of canned, jarred, cup, frozen and dried fruit products and is an innovator in new forms of packaging and processing fruit. For more information on Dole International Holdings Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives please visit http://www.doleintlcsr.com.
About Celiac Disease Foundation
Founded in 1990, Celiac Disease Foundation drives 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. Guided by its distinguished Medical Advisory Board, and supported by chapters and support groups throughout the United States, CDF meets the growing public health challenge of diagnosing celiac disease and other gluten-related disorder through delivery of vital programs and services to the public, patients, healthcare professionals and the food industries. For more information please visit http://www.celiac.org.