1 week Ago
LINDEN, MI — In September 2023, Alana Stamper launched Mama Alana’s Pantry from her home in Linden, turning her lifelong health struggles into a business. Born with hypophosphatasia, a rare bone disease that causes brittle bones and chronic pain, Stamper faced a lifetime of unexplained injuries and discomfort. It wasn’t until a muscle spasm resulted in a broken foot and ankle just days after starting her business that she was officially diagnosed with the disease.
“I knew something was wrong for years, but I didn’t know what it was,” Stamper said. “It wasn’t the first time something like this happened.” Alongside her diagnosis, Stamper had already been managing Lyme disease, which added to her health challenges.
Despite the physical limitations these conditions imposed, Stamper found solace in her lifelong love of food and baking — a love instilled by her family and Italian heritage. “Food is what I grew up with,” she said. “As I kept getting older, I kept getting more allergies.
I always wanted to start a bakery and I found out I had celiac disease and two of my sons also. I learned there is a need for food like this that is actually good.” Her desire to make gluten-free, vegan and nut-free foods that tasted delicious was the spark behind Mama Alana’s Pantry.
With a mission to make allergy-friendly living feel less like a sacrifice and more like a celebration, Stamper began selling a variety of baking mixes and freshly baked goods that cater to those with food allergies, sensitivities or dietary restrictions. Her menu ranges from easy-to-make mixes for bread, cake, biscuits, pancakes and pizza dough, to freshly baked items like doughnuts, cookies, bagels, sourdough bread and cinnamon rolls. Everything is gluten-free, vegan, and nut-free, making the baked goods accessible to a wide range of customers.
Stamper’s products are sold at several locations in Genesee County, including Mueller’s Orchard, Alpine Marketplace and Spicer Orchards Farm, as well as at Dough Creations in Livingston County’s Howell. She also sells her goods online through major retailers, such as Target, Walmart and Amazon. Her business has become more than just a way to make a living — it’s her full-time work and a source of pride.
Despite the challenges her bone disease presents, Stamper has found purpose in creating delicious, safe food that brings people joy. For Stamper, the real reward comes when customers share their excitement. “It makes me very happy when someone has an allergy, they get the food and then message me with excitement,” she said.
“I love feeding people and making them happy.” Find more information at mamaalanaspantry.com .
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