COVER STORY
is just really about the inclusivity of everyone so having a dynamic and friendly program increases our goal of belonging.” Marquette University first partnered with The Pink Bakery in 2022, marking the company’s first college partnership. Originally, in 2014, The Pink Bakery started off selling baking mixes to consumers themselves, but Simmons eventu- ally saw the potential for her products in the on-site dining space. “It really opened my eyes to the fact that there’s a whole college population that are not being accommodated like the other students are on campus. First of all, they leave home where it’s safe. At home, it’s safe to eat there, and they’re coming to college. And oh my God, there’s cross contacts everywhere,” said Sim- mons. Now, the university serves an array of allergen-free desserts made from The Pink Bakery’s mixes. The dining team on site turns the mixes into the final prod - uct, creating brownies, cookies and other sweet treats. “It’s great for those students who, you know, maybe have never had a piece of cake before or never had a brownie, now they’re able to try these things,” said Lucas Flaherty, regional dietitian for Sodexo. “When you take it and make it allergy-friendly, it’s actually a really good product and it compares pretty well.” The Pink Bakery now provides its products to several universities, with more partnerships in the works. And as Simmons continues to expand, she said she hopes she can make a positive impact on the lives of people with food allergies. “To be able to spread this inclusivity is just a joy I can’t even describe. It is helping each of these students or staff members who have food allergies in all these universities or these organizations to feel a sense of normalcy” she said. “It’s like all the pain and struggle I went through, for me personally to be able to help others makes all that worth it.”
GLUTEN-FREE IDAHO POTATO POUND CAKE
Gluten-free baked goods really have come such a long way. This blogger-de- veloped recipe uses alternative flours to make the magic happen and tops it all off with whipped cream and fresh raspberries. Get the recipe.
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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PINK BAKERY
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