Sunni & Hannah sitting in a chair posing for the Free.

About The Free - Our Story of Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Living

At The Free, food isn’t just something we eat, it’s how we connect, celebrate, and take care of ourselves and the people we love. But for many, especially those living with Celiac disease, food allergies, or intolerances, mealtime can feel more stressful than joyful. That’s why we created The Free: a space where living gluten-free and dairy-free doesn’t mean giving up family favorites, comfort foods, or community.

We’re more than a blog — we’re a movement for awareness, inclusion, and education. And we’re so glad you found us.

Our Gluten-Free Family Journey

Like so many stories, The Free started around the dinner table. Our founder and her gluten-free family know firsthand what it’s like to sit down for a meal and wonder, “Is this safe?”— to read every label twice, to turn down dinner invitations, or to carry “just-in-case” snacks wherever you go.

Over time, that experience became the foundation for something bigger. We realized there needed to be a space where people could learn, find trusted resources, and feel supported, not isolated. From those everyday challenges came The Free, a hub built for everyone navigating life without gluten or dairy.

Our goal is simple: to help families eat freely again.

Our Dairy-Free Story

Our dairy-free story grew from the same place, experience, frustration, and a desire to feel better. From milk allergies to lactose intolerance, dairy can cause real challenges for both kids and adults. For some, it means managing eczema or stomach issues; for others, it’s about avoiding serious allergic reactions.

At The Free, we believe knowledge is power. That’s why we share information that helps you understand your body, manage your health, and make confident food choices. 

Whether you’re looking for dairy-free recipes, grocery tips, or ways to make creamy, delicious swaps for your favorite meals, we’ve got you covered because everyone deserves to enjoy mealtime without discomfort or worry.

Raising Celiac Awareness

Celiac awareness is one of the cornerstones of The Free. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and yet it’s often misunderstood.

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, approximately 1 in 133 Americans has celiac disease.

Eating gluten-free isn’t a diet trend for those with Celiac; it’s a medical necessity. Even a crumb of gluten can damage the lining of the small intestine, leading to long-term health problems if left unmanaged.

Through articles, guides, and personal stories, The Free aims to raise understanding about Celiac disease, educate families on safe eating practices, and help build empathy for those living with it. We want people to feel empowered, not limited, and most importantly, we want others to understand that awareness saves lives.

FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) estimates that 32 million Americans live with food allergies.

Family Meals, Reimagined

Here at The Free, food brings us together, even if what’s on our plates looks a little different. We’re passionate about creating family meals that are inclusive, flavorful, and fun. Whether it’s gluten-free pasta night, dairy-free desserts, or a completely allergen-safe holiday spread, we believe every family deserves to share a meal that feels special.

Our recipes are designed to be easy, wholesome, and made with love, because eating “free” shouldn’t mean sacrificing connection. When everyone at the table feels safe and included, that’s when food becomes what it’s meant to be: joyful.

What The Free Stands For

The Free was built on community and understanding. We’re here to:

  • Educate and empower those living gluten-free and dairy-free
  • Raise Celiac awareness and promote inclusion for all food allergies
  • Share recipes, tips, and stories that bring joy back to eating
  • Support families and individuals on their journey toward feeling better

We believe that everyone, regardless of their diagnosis, sensitivity, or dietary needs, deserves to eat without fear.

Join Our Community To Be All About The Free

We’re so happy you’re here. Whether you’re a parent navigating your child’s new diagnosis, an adult learning to live gluten- and dairy-free, or someone supporting a loved one, you’re part of The Free family now.

Visit www.thefreenow.com to explore recipes, tips, and resources that make living gluten-free and dairy-free simple, supportive, and full of flavor.

Together, we can make every meal feel safe — and every day feel a little freer.

From our family to yours — welcome home.

Keep Exploring — There’s More to Love

Don’t stop here! We’ve got even more helpful posts, recipes, and real-life tips waiting for you. Dive into more gluten-free and dairy-free goodness and keep living The Free way — one confident choice at a time.

Picture of Hannah Baerwalde

Hannah Baerwalde

Hannah is the co-creator of The Free and a passionate advocate for gluten-free and dairy-free living. After navigating her own health journey, she’s dedicated to helping others find simple swaps, delicious recipes, and confidence in living allergy-aware. When she’s not writing or testing new GF/DF finds, you’ll find her spending time with family or curled up with a good book.

Download Your FREE Be Free Guides

Created with Care... We’ve poured our years of gluten-free and dairy-free experience into these Be Free Guides to make your journey easier, safer, and a little more enjoyable! Each one is filled with our favorite tips, swaps, and checklists — ready for you to print or save right on your phone so you can live The Free way, anywhere you go.
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