By Marie Ericson, Board Chair, Celiac Kids Connection
Originally Posted 3/17/2020 and updated 4/7/2020
During this difficult time there are ways you can help other families. Here are a few of the ways you can help:
- Donate gluten-free (GF) food items to the Gluten-Free Food Bank:
- There will be a need for GF food items at local food pantries. Contact your local food pantry and ask what their needs are. They will let you know if you can donate GF items or grocery store gift cards which can be ordered on Amazon. They may be operating on a reduced schedule or have limited hours. So, be sure to call first.
- Make a financial donation to the Gluten-Free Food Bank
- Make a financial donation to the Greater Boston Food Bank or your local Food Bank
- Contact your local school food service administrator to see if any families in your area might need GF meals
- Coordinate within your local school authorities to safely get the food to those in need. They may already have plans in place and need volunteers to help distribute meals using safe social distancing practices.
- Contact your favorite GF, celiac safe restaurant and see if they can donate some meals or buy meals to be delivered to those in need. Many restaurants are already doing this using safe no contact/curbside pick up or delivery.
- Any other ideas? Let us know!
If you need help, contact your local food pantry or school administration. Schools that get money from the USDA should have plans in place for families in need of food services that have special dietary restriction
From the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, March 30, 2020:Â
“There are over 1,000 meal sites open across the state. To find a site near you, please visit the Project Bread meal site finder online at https://meals4kids.org/schoolclosure or contact them by phone at 800-645-8333″
Keep your self and your family safe. If you have any questions, please contact us at CeliacKidsConnection@childrens.harvard.edu.