Launched in December 2007, Food Matters Ltd. is a prepared foods
company that provides great quality food to people who suffer from
food allergies. Food Matters is also dedicated to developing recipes
and menus for food organizations, markets and restaurants nationwide.
The goal of the company is to create delicious, convenient allergy
friendly meals that everyone can enjoy and rely on.
Vanessa Tayler Phillips, native New Yorker and creator of Food
Matters, understands the necessity and importance of being able to
procure food that is delicious and healthy, especially for those who
are limited in their choices due to food allergies. "New York City
has plenty of gourmet markets with ready-to-eat meals, however there
are not enough prepared food options for those people with food
allergies and intolerances," explains Vanessa. Thus, Food Matters has
crafted a menu of creative recipes that have broad appeal. By
developing gluten-free prepared meals, consisting of simple
ingredients and flavor, Vanessa is determined to convey her message
that allergy-friendly meals do not have to compromise on quality and
taste.
Vanessa was diagnosed with Celiac Disease at the age of 19. Those with
Celiac Disease are unable to digest gluten, the protein found in
wheat, rye, and barley, which cause an exorbitant amount of damage if
ingested. The only treatment for Celiac Disease is a strict, life
long, gluten-free diet. Vanessa, a "foodie" by the age of two, and
daughter of a restaurateur in Manhattan, was devastated by her new
restrictive diet and felt socially alienated when dining out with
friends and family. Suddenly, she couldn't just eat like everyone
else.
After awhile, Vanessa got tired of ordering her meals "naked," or
sticking to what was considered safe. While working at a restaurant in
New York City, Vanessa befriended a chef who became intrigued with her
disease and the stringent dietary restrictions it imposed on those
suffering from it. They began to experiment with ways to eliminate,
replace, or replicate the presence of gluten in recipes and became
determined to challenge the conventional beliefs of the gluten-free
diet. Soon, they discovered that most foods could easily be prepared
gluten free, without compromising the integrity of the dish and
eventually recreated every dish Vanessa wasn't allowed to eat.
When Vanessa began to offer her food to her friends and family, she
made a startling discovery. Those with gluten intolerances weren't the
only ones who enjoyed her meals. Vanessa realized that everyone,
regardless of whether or not they had dietary restrictions or food
allergies, could take pleasure in her food.
Vanessa Phillips says, "We hope that with the continued development of
assorted allergy-friendly prepared foods, as well as the encouragement
of the restaurant community, Food Matters will help bridge the gap
between dietary constraints and the love of good food. Because food
matters, period."
Additional Information about Food Matters
All of Food Matters products are gluten-free, with additional
attention paid to other allergies, such as casein, nuts, tree nuts,
soy, and corn. We also offer vegetarian options.
Food Matters uses local and organic ingredients whenever possible,
including vegetables, grains and fruits grown without pesticides.
All of Food Matters products are microwaveable and oven safe. Many of
our entrees are available in family sized portions, as well
single-servings, including our popular and best selling lasagna. All
foods are prepared in a gluten free kitchen and come with reheating
instructions.
Food Matters products can be shipped anywhere within the United States
and are packed in recycled and unbleached brown boxes.
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