Is Gluten Free Food More Expensive Than Wheat Based Products?

While our own experiences would tell us “yes,” medical professionals studied this question. In the February 2019 edition of Nutrients*, Anne Lee, R.D. and fellow doctors  studied the Persistent Economic Burden of the Gluten Free Diet. Their study found that “the overall cost of GF products was 183% more expensive than their wheat-based counterparts.” 

Let’s take flour for example. I use King Arthur Measure for Measure in most of my baking products. A 2 lb bag of King Arthur (wheat based) all purpose flour is $1.89 at my local Meijer. A 3 lb bag of King Arthur’s Gluten Free Measure for Measure is $11.99. That’s a cost comparison of $0.95/ lb to $3.99/lb That’s 4 times the cost! 

Gluten Free Food Insecurity Impacts Diet Adherence

Researchers in the Nutrition journal expressed that these higher prices may lead to non-adherence to the gluten free diet. Cost is not the only issue. “More products were available online and in the higher-end grocery stores, but these were also more expensive than the traditional grocery store.” Not only can people not afford gluten free groceries, they’re not available near them, either.  

Organizations Offering Gluten Free Food Assistance

Thanfully, there are some non-profits who are stepping up to address this issue. Some organizations offer gluten free food assistance only locally. Others ship food boxes across the United States. Please use these resources if you are in need of help. Conversely, if you are able to help, these non-profits would welcome your donations to further their cause.

Feeding Gluten Free

The National Celiac Association spearheads the Feeding Gluten Free initiative. They partner with large gluten free manufacturers to stock food pantries across the United States. Click here to donate to their cause. 

GIG Cares

The Gluten Intolerance Group started their gluten free food assistance outreach, GIG Cares, in 2019. This initiaive will “provide monthly boxes of food to those in need.” Boxes include products that are certified thru their GFCO certification program. Use their PDF form to apply for a box. You can also use the same link to donate to their cause.

Food Equality Initiative

Food Equality Initiative, based in Kansas City, started as a food bank for those with Celiac Disease and food allergies. For those in the Kansas City area looking for gluten free food assitance from FEI, a referral from a doctor is needed. Please consider a donation to support their efforts. You can also shop their online store for food allergy and Celiac Disease related apparel and accessories. Enjoy their Free From Magazine.

Securing Safe Food

Founded in March 2020, Securing Safe Food (SSF) in Connecticut is a registered nonprofit working to fight food insecurity among food-allergic individuals. They locate nutritional assistance programs in need of allergen-free stock, and supply their partner food pantries with consistent, allergen-free options. In addition, they educate food manufacturers, medical practices, and the general public on the topic of food allergies and food insecurity.

Some Specific Individual Food Pantries Worth Noting

Celiac & Allergy Friendly Food Initiative

The Celiac and Allergy Friendly Food Initiative (CAFFI) is an Ohio nonprofit organization, established by two Stow residents, Amy Adams and Lisa Herman. The Celiac and Allergy Friendly Food Initiative works in partnership with Portage County Family and Community Services in order to have space to store food and to distribute food through Summit and Portage County Food Pantries. Connect with them at this link. 

S.A.F.E. Food Pantry

S.A.F.E Food Pantry is part of the Howard County Food Bank in Columbia, Maryland. Those needing gluten free food assistance are asked to print, fill out and mail this form. For those wanting to support their effors, donate here. 

FOODiversity

FOODiversity   is working to address food insecurity in the Mooresville, NC area. They offer weekend backpacks of gluten free and food allergy free foods. Learn more about them on their Facebook page, and in this article on the FEI website. Interested in helping their cause? Donate here. 

Garden of Health Food Bank

Garden of Health Food Bank  is located in Pennsylvania. “Founded in 2015, they source fresh produce and foods free of the top eight allergens and distribute to food pantries, low-income senior housing and community groups in Montgomery and Bucks Counties in Pennsylvania. Visit their website to find pantries offering gluten free foods. Wan to help? Consider making a donation. 

What about soup kitchens? Learn more tips on navigating food banks and soup kitchens from FARE.

Have you benefited from one of these organizations? What other ways can we help those living with gluten free food insecurity? Share in the comment below. 

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