About Us
Celiac Aware
WHO ARE WE?
Welcome to Celiac Aware, a dedicated platform with a singular mission — to educate and empower restaurants to provide safe and exceptional dining experiences for customers with Celiac disease and gluten-free dietary requirements.
Our Goals
- Expand awareness among the general public of Celiac disease and similar afflictions. Currently, 50 million Americans suffer from one or more autoimmune diseases.
- Collaborate with restaurants/dining facilities to provide accessible and safe gluten-free options with minimal cross-contamination, meeting the FDA’s guidelines on “Certified Gluten-Free”
- Support patients through our mentoring program, resources (incl. gluten-free recipes, interviews with medical professionals, & Safe Dining Guides), and advocacy
Meet the Team
We arecommitted to empowering the celiac community through accessible resources, gluten-free education, and initiatives that make safe food more affordable and inclusive.
Yuvraj Walia
Yuvraj is a junior at University of California, Los Angeles. First diagnosed with Celiac disease in 2020, Yuvraj relates to many of the challenges of a newly-diagnosed Celiac and wants to help other patients adjust to their new lives. Yuvraj has been involved in healthcare initiatives since 2019, when he first joined the Patient & Medical Advocacy Committee for CA Proposition 14. Later, he began a widely-shared fundraising effort for India during the COVID-19 crisis. Outside of healthcare, Yuvraj enjoys debate, listening to music, and hiking with friends.
Viraj Walia
Viraj is a senior at Mission San Jose High School in Fremont, CA. Inspired by his family's first-hand experience navigating the challenges of a gluten-free household, Viraj recognized that access to safe food far more than choosing the right ingredients. Finding reliable information, identifying safe dining options, and accessing affordable gluten-free food can be especially difficult for newly diagnosed individuals and families with limited resources. Through CeliacAware, Viraj is working to bridge these gaps by developing practical resources, sharing gluten-free recipes and educational content, and helping individuals navigate everyday challenges associated with celiac disease. He is also exploring food insecurity within the celiac community by engaging with food banks to understand the availability of gluten-free options and the barriers faced by people who depend on food assistance.