08/30/2026
This week, I was saddened to learn that several customers apparently "went without" during some harder times. 🙁
I heard through the grapevine that a wonderful customer's child went without a birthday cake because times were hard and, well, being gluten free is expensive.
And I realized it had been way too long since I'd made it known that no one here should ever have to have a birthday without a bit of sugar and joy.
I got you. 🫶
And if times are hard and you find yourself struggling to put food on the table, I have your back there too!!!
The food pantrys don't always have sufficient gluten free food to share. And to be honest...it's hard enough to need to admit you need help, so that much worse to realize they cannot meet your needs.
I've been through hard times myself. Over the course of a great many years, we had high times and we've had exceptionally low times. I know all too well that hard work, a strong work ethic, and willingness to work have no bearing on income. That intelligence and integrity don't get you a job. That it "takes money to make money". That life is easier when you "know someone". But most of the world doesn't really "know someone". I know that hard work and long hours don't necessarily pay the bills. That the person on the bottom rung of a company often works harder, longer, and experiences more stressful work environment than a CEO...Yet may not be able to put food on the table.
I know that public assistance keeps good people down. And I understand that making more than the very bare minimum means you don't qualify for services but can't POSSIBLY keep a roof over your head and put food on the table. I know that working sixty hours a week at minimum wage does NOT cover the cost of simple rental, heat, and food in Syracuse, NY.
I know that receiving Disability assistance throttles earning ability and leaves you in poverty when your body cannot do what it used to do. Or you need it to do.
I know that health challenges make it hard to work. And that medical costs are astronomical. And waiting for the help you need is often TORTUROUS).
(And incidentally....In my experience--and I've met THOUSANDS of people with Celiac in my line of work--it seems to take at least three years of pain and suffering before a doctor thinks to test for Celiac. And that the tests have a 50% false rate for a negative test--although close to 100% true rate for a positive Celiac diagnosis. Many are damaged for YEARS before diagnosis. And by that time, removing gluten helps but doesn't heal the bodywide damage)!
SO.....
If you are struggling and need cupcakes or a treat for a birthday or special moment, I will always do what I can to make magic for you! I ALWAYS try to keep a stash of cupcakes on hand for birthday needs! And when I can, I can try to whip up a cookie cake!
If you need food on your table, I will always do what I can to help you. I may not be rich, but I will always share what I have. And if the needs are greater than I can manage myself, I have a wonderful community of gluten free bakers and customers who have ALWAYS been wildly and wonderfully generous and kind.
And my local sister bakers have ALWAYS been wildly kind and generous. They are always the first to offer. I love them dearly!!! Cookie Connection, Nonna's Kitchen and Crafts, and Mom's Homemade are all owned by some of the strongest and most amazing women I know!!! 🫶🫶🫶
You don't have to suffer alone.
You are part of a Community, and we take care of each other. It SUCKS to be gluten free. And it's a club none of us chose to join. But we're all in this together and I've been blown away by the generosity of the Community when someone's needs were greater than I could handle alone.
If you have need....
Message me here. I'm the only one who sees these messages. Your secret is safe with me and your dignity will be met with great respect. I understand. I see you.
If you aren't comfortable letting me know who you are, it's easy to get a new email so you can be anonymous. I don't need to know who you are to help. I can find ways to get food to you without us meeting. There are plenty of ways I can help and you can have your privacy.
If you are uncomfortable "taking" (I feel this and would likely opt to suffer rather than "take" help), I am also happy to barter for our treats/food at any given time if that feels more comfortable. If it helps
There are other ways to "shop" my products. I understand. I got you!
Trade me tomatoes, zucchini, or raspberries.
Help me with social media posting or photos in exchange for treats. Facebook depends on algorithms to give more advertising time. I often end up so busy baking that I miss posting. And then my posts are throttled and many of you miss my posts. More reels, videos, photos mean more customers and more sales. But I fall flat in trying to get it all done. And man...I feel old and out of touch when I want figure out the social media tech stuff! How do you make a reel???
Have a skill? Or time? Let's work together.
I'm DROWNING in work these days and as a single Mom trying to help my kids with college tuition.
I'm happy to have extra hands for a bit in exchange for a home cooked gluten free meal (pizza anyone? 😉). Help me hang my tv. I can't reach to replace a couple light bulbs. Watch my booth for 15 minutes so I can go buy apples for next weeks baking!
So many ways we can all help each other during tough times. So many ways we can make sure you have some sweetness (and sweet treats) in your life!!!
SO....Back to my original thoughts. (ADHD Mom here, and I can go on for days!!! Lol!)
Please, please. Don't suffer alone.
Let's do this together.
I'll help make sure you and your family have what you need to have some peace and joy and (gluten free) sugar in your life!
Much love,
Jen
**Just fyi...I make this offer for within the Syracuse gluten free community only. . I'm just one small gal. And a busy baker and Mom healing from Lyme and mold. A few years back, someone shared one of my posts to a larger community and I was inundated with requests. Overwhelmed!!! And people got angry (some were truly outright mean!) that I offered help and didn't follow through. I'm not an organization. I'm just one person who would be happy to share the food on my table. I just want to spread a little joy and magic. I unfortunately haven't yet found a magic wand! 🫶🩷
