MAGAZINE NEWS

As you might have learned from a comment in the previous post, Martha Stewart has invited the public to consider seven staff ideas on what new direction Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia might take—and one of those ideas, from her deputy editor Alexis, is a "Special publication catering to those with food allergies and sensitivities that would include recipes."

That's "catering" in the figurative sense. As Alexis puts it:

To publish a special magazine that offers delicious allergy-friendly recipes, making life for people with food allergies and sensitivities easier and more delicious. Millions of people, including myself, can't eat nuts, dairy, wheat or gluten, and I’d like to empower people to make great recipes even if they can't use all the standard ingredients.

Right now this idea is neck-and-neck with an idea about launching a publication or a line of products for pet lovers. You can vote for your preference once a day here through Thursday, February 7, 2008.

It's exciting to see such an idea being considered by such a big name. But while the world awaits the results of the vote, I figured I'd mention two existing publications of interest to people with food allergies and sensitivities.

Of particular interest in these parts is Gluten-Free Living, which is entirely devoted to, um, living gluten-free. Published by Ann Whelan, this magazine continues to make a very significant contribution in terms of researching and clarifying many issues including food labeling and ingredients. It has really helped me navigate the diet over the years.

The magazine Living Without, founded by Peggy Wagener, aims at a somewhat more general audience, like the one described in the Martha Stewart proposal. Publication was temporarily suspended in recent months, but the magazine is due to reappear come spring as part of the Connecticut-based Belvoir Media Group, with Wagener staying on as publisher.

Have you noticed how all of these ventures share the word living?