Food Security
The rising cost of food and economic challenges have increased food insecurity. For people with celiac disease, this issue is even more severe due to the difficulty of obtaining safe, gluten-free food.
One in six people with celiac disease face some degree of food insecurity – 2022 State of Celiac Disease in Canada study. Unfortunately, many food banks are unaware of the need for or how to identify gluten-free products. Often, gluten-free donations are mixed with regular food. With your help, we can bridge this gap and ensure gluten-free food reaches those who need it.
That’s where Celiac Canada’s Save Me for Gluten Free program comes in!
Bringing Gluten-Free Food to Those in Need
For individuals with celiac disease, accessing safe, gluten-free food can be a challenge. Self-advocacy is key to ensuring your health and well-being. Here are some steps you can take:
Inform food banks or service agencies that you require gluten-free food due to celiac disease.
Decline foods that contain gluten and explain the serious health consequences of cross-contact.
Share Celiac Canada’s food labelling guidelines with food providers. [Download here.]
Review food labels to educate volunteers and ensure your food is safe.
Request a designated gluten-free section for storage, especially for easily cross-contacted items like flour.
Ask for signage indicating gluten-free options are available upon request.
Notify your local Celiac Canada Chapter or National Office if you have trouble getting gluten-free products. We can contact agencies, national food producers or encourage individual donations.
Need help? Contact our Help Desk at info@celiac.ca.
How You Can Help
Donate Gluten-Free Food
- Purchase non-perishable gluten-free items from local or online retailers. Download our Gluten Free Pantry List.
- Label donations using the Celiac Canada’s #SaveMeForGlutenFree stickers to ensure proper distribution.
- Drop off donations at your local food bank or grocery store collection bin.
Advocate and Educate
- Volunteer with your Celiac Canada Chapter or local food bank to assist with gluten-free food sorting.
- Encourage food banks to set aside gluten-free food for those who need it.
- Direct food banks to Celiac Canada for education, resources, and supplier support.
- Understanding Gluten-Free Food: A Guide for Food Banks
Download and print our ‘SAVE ME FOR GLUTEN FREE” labels here:
English Files: Save Me for Gluten Free Label + Description Save Me for Gluten Free Label Only
Fichiers Francais: Sauvez Moi pour les Sans Gluten FRANCAIS + Description Sauvez Moi pour les Sans Gluten Etiqueter
Print off the ones you’d like to use either colour or black and white, one page, two-up if you have more than one bag to donate. Just print and cut.
Tell Us About Your Donation! Help us track our impact. Complete our anonymous survey.
Food Banks & Agency Support
Celiac Canada and it’s independent chapters maintain a list of food banks that provide gluten-free options. Availability may change, so please confirm with your local agency.
Food Banks Offering Gluten Free
Are you a food bank offering gluten-free food? Contact info@celiac.ca to be added to our list.
Click here to find a food bank near you, anywhere in Canada, using Food Banks Canada.
Food Banks – Ottawa – champlainhealthline.ca
Food Banks – Toronto Central – torontocentralhealthline.ca
Food Banks – All areas of Ontario – Health Services for Ontario – thehealthline.ca
Port Moody, British Columbia – https://thepeoplespantry.ca/
Learn More
Listen to Sue Jennett’s conversation with Jessica Danford about food insecurity and celiac disease. Sue also speaks with Melissa Secord, Executive Director of CCA, about efforts to support the celiac community during challenging times.
