Dylan Schissler launches Safe Bites to promote gluten-free dining in South Florida

By AI, Created 12:35 PM UTC, May 19, 2026, /AGP/ – After her celiac diagnosis at 14, Boca Raton student Dylan Schissler has turned her experience into Safe Bites, a Celiac Disease Awareness Month campaign pairing South Florida restaurants with fundraising and awareness efforts for the Celiac Disease Foundation. The effort spotlights gluten-free safety practices while pushing more businesses to create safer dining environments.

Why it matters: - Safe Bites is designed to make dining out feel safer for people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivities. - The campaign also pushes local restaurants to adopt better gluten-free protocols, including dedicated fryers, ovens, and kitchen space. - The effort supports the Celiac Disease Foundation while raising awareness during Celiac Disease Awareness Month. - The Celiac Disease Foundation says 1 in 100 people worldwide are affected by celiac disease.

What happened: - Dylan Schissler, a Boca Raton student, created Safe Bites during Celiac Disease Awareness Month. - Schissler launched the campaign to encourage South Florida restaurants and businesses to support the Celiac Disease Foundation through donations, giveaways, special promotions, and community partnerships. - Schissler built the effort from her Instagram account, @glutenfreesoflo, where she shares gluten-free restaurants, recipes, products, and businesses. - The campaign includes an official donation page and online auctions featuring donated gift cards from participating businesses. - Schissler plans to make Safe Bites an annual campaign each May.

The details: - Schissler was diagnosed with celiac disease at 14. - She said eating out once felt uncertain because safety depended on ingredient awareness, preparation methods, and whether a restaurant understood celiac needs. - Schissler said a dedicated fryer, oven, or kitchen space immediately makes her feel safe and seen. - Safe Bites highlights businesses that prioritize safe gluten-free dining practices. - Schissler uses her platform to spotlight participating businesses and share resources with the gluten-free community throughout May. - Participating businesses include Bolay, Ernie’s Acai, and Sixty Vines. - Bolay, a fully gluten-free restaurant chain, donated a catering package for 10 people. - Ernie’s Acai held a donation day on May 19 across all six South Florida locations. - Ernie’s Acai donated 10% of sales from customers who mention Safe Bites and also contributed a $50 gift card to the online auction. - Sixty Vines donated a $100 gift card after the owner shared a personal family connection to celiac disease. - Chris Gannon, CEO and founder of Bolay Fresh Bold Kitchen, said the company supports the gluten-free community and praised Schissler’s work.

Between the lines: - Safe Bites is as much a community-building campaign as a fundraiser. - The effort puts pressure on restaurants to move beyond gluten-free menu labels and address cross-contact risks. - Schissler is using a personal health experience to create a local network of businesses, donors, and diners around celiac safety. - The campaign also shows how a small social media platform can become a practical organizing tool for food-allergy awareness.

What’s next: - Schissler plans to keep growing her gluten-free platform and community partnerships year round. - Safe Bites is expected to return each May as a recurring Celiac Disease Awareness Month fundraiser. - Schissler wants more restaurants to add safer preparation practices for people with dietary restrictions and food allergies. - Supporters can follow @glutenfreesoflo on Instagram, take part in the Safe Bites online auction, and back participating South Florida businesses during the campaign.