Gluten Free and food agencies

Updated: May 1, 2020

Food banks are often staffed with hard working volunteers who may not understand special dietary requirements for individuals who have conditions such as celiac disease or gluten disorders. We want to help bridge that gap.

CCA and it’s independent chapter organizations are pleased to offer this list of local food banks and agencies across Canada to identify locations that are able to provide with confidence gluten-free food to those in need. Please check with the agency on services provided and verify ability to provide gluten free as the ability to provide food may change daily or weekly.

If you are a food bank that is offering gluten-free food and would like to be added to this growing list, contact info@celiac.ca.

Federal support for gluten free (Updated May 7)

Increased funding is available to food banks and other agencies to help support the purchase of gluten-free foods.

Food Labelling for Some Barley Based Ingredients (Updated May 15)

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has recently issued an advisory to allow some food products to be sold in Canada that were previously destined for the United States market.
While health and safety related labelling requirements such as Canada’s enhanced labelling regulations for gluten sources still apply, CCA has flagged some potential issues with BARLEY. There is a potential risk that food produced in Canada but packaged and labelled for the United States might not identify barley containing ingredients, as required on food sold in Canada. Consumers and purchasers should be alert to malt and yeast extract ingredients listed on US labels. Malt is barley based. Yeast extract can be found in soups, sauces, seasoned chips and other savoury products.

Resources for Food Banks

• Food Labelling Guidelines to assist food banks to better serve the community. Please click here to request.
• Self Advocacy Tips – Check here for how to self-advocate when approaching a food bank or service.
• CCA-Approved Gluten-Free Box – Download our recommended list of certificed gluten-free products and sample brands – CCA GF Pantry List

Donating Gluten-free Food to Food Banks

When donating gluten-free food to a food bank, ask in advance if the food will be set aside or saved for families or individuals who require this special dietary food. In some cases, GF food is mixed in with other foods or staff may not understand how food labelling works for those with special diets. If they are unable to guarantee GF food, please encourage them to reach out to CCA for assistance with education, resources and suppliers.