Gluten Free Snack Ideas for Back to School

 As the school year begins there are so many things on my checklist. Most importantly, I have prepared letters to my girls' teachers and the parents in their classrooms to explain Celiac Disease which I will send with them on the first day of school.  I also purchased Gluten Free Snacks that can be kept in the classroom for those "special" treat days.  If you are interested in quick template letters see (http://gum.co/NVLW). 

The Gluten Free Lunch Box

Now, what to pack in the lunch box?  It may appear that my children eat the same things everyday... and sometimes they do. Here are some easy Gluten Free snack and lunch box ideas.

Remember to remind your child about cross-contamination to ensure that their food is safe to eat.




Banana dipped in yogurt
Celery sticks with cream cheese or peanut butter
Gluten Free cereal mixed with dried fruit
Make snack kabobs (be creative)
Apples and peanut butter/yogurt
Make a smoothie and put in a thermos
Mini sandwich on Schars small buns
Mix peanut butter and Gluten Free Enviro Kids Amazon Frosted Flakes cereal in a bowl and shape into balls. Roll in crushed Gluten Free graham crackers.
Put Gluten Free soup into a thermos
Put Gluten Free Mac and Cheese in a thermos
Make shape sandwiches using cookie cutters

I also came across this great resource that has tips and 75 Gluten Free School Lunch Ideas. A must see!

http://glutenfreeville.com/featured/6-tips-75-gf-school-lunch-ideas-happy-kids

Did you know that children who have Celiac Disease who need to eat a Gluten Free Diet qualify for a 504 plan. What is a 504 plan?  It is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1973 that ensures that children who have special needs receive the same opportunity as everyone else in Federally Funded Programs.  What does this mean?  This means that if you would like the school to prepare a Gluten Free Lunch for your child, you can do so. My dietitian gave us information and I will begin to explore this option for the upcoming school year.  See information Below.

School Lunches
http://celiacdisease.about.com/od/schoolage/a/504plans.htm