Irish Celiac Group Delivers Free COVID-19 Care Packs to Needy Members

05/12/2020 - Finding gluten-free food amid the chaos of panic food buying due to the Covid-19 pandemic can be a challenge for regular folks. For people with celiac disease, that task can be difficult, and failure can mean not having nutritious food. 

In an effort to help provide gluten-free food for people with celiac disease, the Coeliac Society of Ireland has partnered with baked goods brand Promise Gluten Free to deliver free food to hundreds of celiacs during the coronavirus lockdown.

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Called “Drive to Care," the program brings gluten-free food directly to house-bound celiacs during the Covid-19 lockdown.

The program has already delivered hundreds of gluten-free food packs directly to the homes of elderly celiacs across Ireland. The food packs include bakery basics, such as gluten-free bread, along with little extras, like gluten-free sweet buns and brioche. Soon, the Society hopes to include products by additional food makers in its gluten-free food packets.

The Coeliac Society of Ireland initiated the program after numerous reports from members who were concerned that they wouldn't be able to buy gluten-free products as the coronavirus lockdown progressed.

These are people who need to follow a gluten-free diet to manage their celiac disease, and their fear of accidental gluten ingestion and adverse immune reaction was profound and real. 

According to Coeliac Society CEO Gill Brennan: “If people with celiac disease consume gluten they can develop symptoms such as abdominal pains, diarrhea, anaemia, or vomiting which could require medical treatment. This would pose a risk to the individuals and put additional strain on an already under-pressure health system."

In addition to delivering these gluten-free care packages to its members, the society continues "to supply our [gluten-free] products to supermarkets and other shops throughout the country that cater for people with celiac disease and other gluten intolerant customers.” 

You can follow the Coeliac Society of Ireland on their website, or on Facebook.

Coeliac Society dietitian Sarah Keogh is also hosting weekly Facebook Live Q&A sessions aimed at helping celiacs cope during the Covid-19 crisis. Keogh's Q&A sessions will cover different health topics that are relevant to celiac sufferers.

Anyone wishing to support The Coeliac Society of Ireland can donate here. 

Read more at IMFM.ie