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Gluten Free Diet Awareness Month: A Guide for Providers in How to Accommodate Gluten Free Diets on CACFP
November 21st, 2024Brianna Tobritzhofer, MS, RD, LD, Nutrition Manager
November is Gluten Free Diet Awareness Month! As a childcare provider, you are required to provide creditable gluten free foods for kids who have a medical need and special diet statement for a gluten free diet, such as celiac disease, wheat allergy, or gluten sensitivity. Not sure where to start? In this blog post, we’ll guide you through what you need to know to accommodate gluten free diets.
Why Gluten Free?
Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity may experience serious health issues if they eat gluten. It can lead to symptoms ranging from digestion issues, skin problems, and nutrition deficiencies to neurological conditions. It is very important that you are aware of how to safely accommodate gluten free diets for any kids in your care who need one.
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a protein found naturally in wheat, barley, and rye. While oats are naturally gluten free, they may become contaminated with wheat, barley, or rye during packaging. Individuals on gluten free diets should avoid the following grains:
Wheat
Barley
Rye
Oats (unless labeled “gluten free”)
Triticale
Malt
Spelt
CACFP Guidelines for Gluten-Free Diets
Accommodating gluten free diets on the food program can be very easy to handle! There are a few things to keep in mind when menu planning. Start here:
Meal Pattern Requirements: Grain is a required component at meals in the CACFP, even for gluten free diets, unless noted on the Special Diet Statement. Keep in mind items like enriched rice, brown rice, gluten free oatmeal and Cheerios are gluten free. Creditable grains are listed on an ingredient label as “enriched” or "whole" grains. You will also need to continue providing required portions of fruits, vegetables, meat/meat alternate, and milk for kids on gluten-free diets.
Keep it Simple: Remember, you do not need to provide specialty food items for gluten free meals. Focus your menu on whole foods that are naturally gluten free. Choose gluten free grains that are easy for you to prepare and serve. If your time is limited, keep in mind that you can prepare grains like rice or quinoa in batches and then freeze them in small portions to serve later! For breakfast and snacks, plan for meal components that are already gluten free so you don’t need to plan an entirely separate menu. For example, you could serve Cheerios, apple slices and milk at breakfast and a cheese stick and grapes for snack.
Be Mindful of Cross-Contamination: When shopping for foods, always check for gluten free certifications on packaging to avoid cross-contamination. Always wash your hands and clean work surfaces and utensils BEFORE and AFTER handling foods for a child on a gluten free diet. Additional warnings like “may contain” and/or "manufacture on equipment with…" can be a warning of cross contamination and should be avoided.
Get Creative: Serving gluten free foods doesn’t have to be boring. Explore new gluten free recipes to keep meals exciting for kids. Communicate with families about their children’s dietary needs and encourage them to share their favorite gluten free recipes. Here are a few of our favorite gluten free recipes to get you started:
Special Diet Statements and Gluten-Free Diets
A Special Diet Statement (SDS) for children on gluten free diets is optional and recommended, but as long as the meals you are serving are creditable and meet the CACFP meal patterns. If you need to deviate from the meal pattern, then an SDS is required.
If you do not have a signed diet statement, children that require a gluten free diet may keep a note on file that indicates the request for a gluten free diet, the reason for the request and is signed by the parent or guardian.
You’ll also want to keep in mind that children on gluten free diets often have sensitivities to other foods. In some cases, this requires substitutions that are not creditable which would require an SDS.
Even if you do not need to submit an SDS, labeling and documentation is especially important when you are serving kids on any special diet. Make sure to keep organized records of ingredient lists, recipes, and nutritional information of the foods you are serving.
Takeaway
Adapting to gluten free diets within the food program is both a responsibility and an opportunity for child care providers. By ensuring that all kids receive meals that meet their dietary needs, you can foster an inclusive and health promoting environment. With careful planning, providing gluten free options on your menu will be seamless!
Resources
Gluten Free Diets & The CACFP ResourceThis resource includes a menu and a list of creditable gluten free foods!
Questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out! Note that this blog post is for informational purposes only. Always consult with the child’s parent and medical provider regarding concerns with food allergies or medical conditions. Providers Choice’s Dietitian also always available to assist for any questions or concerns.
