7 ways to make this the best Celiac Awareness Month ever.
1% of the global population has celiac disease, but most people who have it don’t know it. In the United States, 1 in 100 people have celiac disease, yet 80% remain undiagnosed. With a lack of awareness about the disease, there is also a lack of awareness about social supports available… and a lack of awareness about our need for safe food.
For Celiac Awareness Month this year, we can change that.
Here are 7 ways that you can get involved.
SHARE FACTS WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILIES
Information sharing is the key to spreading awareness. GIG’s website had a plethora of resources that you can use such as gluten.org/2021/04/30/ages-and-stages-of-celiac-disease/ and gluten.org/2021/07/12/3-steps-to-a-celiac-disease-diagnosis/. Sometimes the best way to spread awareness is by sharing bite-sized bits of information on social media. We’ve got a few graphics that you are welcome to use. Follow GIG on Facebook and Instagram to find a new shareable facts throughout the month.
SHARE YOUR PERSONAL STORY
Storytelling always captures people’s attention and brings a list of symptoms and struggles to life. Tell the story of your (or your loved ones) celiac journey to friends and family. If you share it on social media, expand the reach of your story by tagging us in your post (be sure it is marked public) and we may share it too! You can also complete this form for a possible feature from GIG. gluten.org/personal-stories/
SUPPORT OTHERS IN THEIR JOURNEY
Social and emotional support is so important when living gluten-free! Reach out to someone newly diagnosed and offer some kind words, share a recipe, or join them on a trip to the supermarket. You can join a GIG support group and find new friends who are encouraging and empowering others. If someone is struggling with the cost of the gluten-free diet, tell them about the GIG Cares food insecurity program. If you know the parent of a child or a teen who has been diagnosed with celiac disease, tell them about GIG’s Generation GF program, working to build confidence in gluten-free kids, and having fun along the way – the 2023 GF Teen Summit in June would be an experience they’ll never forget.
GO TELL YOUR LOCAL RESTAURANT HOW THEY ARE DOING
78% of gluten-free consumers fear dining out. We can work together to change that. GIG has a collection of restaurant cards that you can share when you are dining out which can help improve your real-time experience, and possibly the restaurant’s approach in the future.
Make any donation to GIG in the month of May and you’ll receive a set of cards!
THANK YOUR FAVORITE FOOD BRAND
Availability of gluten-free products has come a long way, as has their taste, texture, and even the size of the packaging. If there is a GFCO-certified product that you appreciate, take a moment to thank the company for prioritizing the needs of the celiac community. Bonus points if you share your feedback on social media and tag @certifiedglutenfree. Find GFCO-certified products on this product finder, and give us a social follow on GFCO’s new IG & FB pages.
BECOME AN ADVOCATE and be A PART OF SOMETHING BIG
GIG has HEARD our community share that greater awareness is needed among the medical community, schools, restaurants, and more. Along with GIG Cares, we are looking for change-makers to help us make this happen. With just a small-time commitment, you can be a change-maker in your local community. Training and materials will be provided to help you get started.
DONATE TO GIG to keep our EFFORTS strong
Since 1974, GIG has been working to spread awareness about celiac disease and gluten-related disorders, as we work to make life easier for everyone living gluten-free. We’ve come a long way in the past 49 years, diagnosis rates have dramatically improved, as has the availability of safe food, but there is so much work to be done. This month, your donation will go towards educating restaurants on the need for serving safe gluten-free food.