I was looking around online, doing research on food banks in my state of Connecticut. With the economy the way it is, and with gluten free food prices being outrageous, it is nearly impossible for low income families to provide necessary food to their Celiac loved one. Some families are left no choice but to feed their Celiac child food containing gluten.
Some are left with a choice: either buy normal food that the whole family can eat, or buy gluten free food for the Celiac family member. I read a story where one mother was in that predicament, and she chose to get food containing gluten. Her Celiac child had no choice but to consume non GF food. Her child continued to have diarrhea, which is a symptom of Celiac Disease.
As someone who is on low-income, it is quite difficult to purchase GF food, but, I have no other choice. I am lucky to be on state assistance, so I am able to purchase the food. If I did not have state assistance, I would either go hungry, or be left with no choice but to eat food containing gluten. With my Celiac as bad as it is, I cannot imagine how sick I would be if I were in those situations. Many families find themselves in those situations, and it breaks my heart. If I think I'm oppressed because of my disease, what about those families who cannot obtain GF food at food banks?
Once I am back on my feet, working, and making money, I was thinking about giving back to the Celiac community. Those on low income, with Celiac Disease, who cannot afford the GF food they need, I want to help them by donating gluten free food. Or, I could run my own food bank. I know what it is like. The GF food prices are just ridiculous. Those of us with Celiac Disease have a duty, a responsibility, and the privilege to pay it forward. We need to help others in our community who cannot help themselves.
(photo courtesy of: http://couponchristine.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/food-banks.jpg)
