How long have you been collecting food for the Gluten Free Gemach?

We are in our third year running. We collect gluten-free foods outside our house after Pesach and then have pick-up hours shortly thereafter.

How much food do you collect?

Every year, B”H we have increased our collection! This year we are well over our 200 item mark and still growing.

How did you get started?

A few years ago, after Pesach, I was joking with my gluten-free friend, asking her whether she wanted my potato starch that I never used on Pesach, and surprising to me, she said yes! Apparently, she uses it year round to bake for her family, and the idea was born. Every year our community throws away lots of food that we eat on Pesach but is unheard of, once chametz is available. Not only is it Baal Tachshis, but it’s throwing away all of the money that we spent on these specialty items that someone else can use.

Do you take items from the gemach to use with your family?

No we don’t, we actually donate our leftover gluten-free Pesach items to the gemach as well. We’re actually not gluten-free.

Wait, you’re not gluten-free?

No we’re not, but we have a lot of other food allergies and thus, understand the difficulties that the gluten-free consumer has.

Can I still donate food?

Yes! We collect food for about a week or two after Pesach. After that, we close, but look for us next year!

How can I pick-up food?

Come to 69 Wilbur Road, on April 15th (Wednesday) and 16th (Thursday) from 6-9 pm or Sunday, April 19th from 9am -12 noon. If we have more to give away, we will have more hours.

Is there a charge?

We do not charge for any of the food that we give out. If someone wants to donate, we give all money that we collect to Tomchei Shabbos of Bergen County.

How can we contact you?

You can either email us at [email protected] or ‘Like’ us on Facebook and contact us there.