Sometimes This Really Sucks.....

[GwenO]

Fourteen year old daughter wanted to go a school trip to France and Spain next summer.  They stay in people's homes - eat their food.  It's too risky I think.  Really crappy that this disease can keep her from such an amazing opportunity. 

[BlessedMommy]

How long is the school trip?

 

There's got to be a way that she can work around this. Could she bring her own simple food and assemble it herself? Could she rely on a lot of naturally gluten free things like fresh fruits and veggies and bring a bunch of stuff from home in her suitcase, like KIND bars and other shelf stable safe things?

 

Lots of things are simple and fast to prep. Are there places over there to buy gluten free bread and gluten-free deli sandwich meat?

[MycasMommy]

I do not know about France and Spain but I know Italy is a million times more aware of and caters to people with Celiac than the USA. Yes, the nation of pasta!~  It may be worth it to do a little research.  Those hosts families may be completely open and see it as normal to have some things gluten-free.

[GwenO]

Thanks.  Interesting replies.  I'm going to talk to them about supplying her own food.  I'm just worried about cross contamination - she's already so thin.  I haven't personally been anywhere over there, interesting to know that they're so aware of it.

[ravenwoodglass]

There are also gluten free dining cards available for many languages that may help in her host homes, shops or restaurants if she isn't fluent in French or Spanish. I have seen quite a few folks that have traveled extensively that are on the board and have done it without issues. Maybe you could also post your concerns in the International section. There may be members who live in those countries that might be helpful. 

[Mickyaela]

Hi, Ive been surfing for a while and have just joined up as i feel i can help a bit with this one.

 

I am a british citizen living in Andalucia, Spain. The number of gluten free foods in the supermarkets has increased dramatically in the past year here. There are 2 key large supermarket chains across both France and Spain called Mercadona and Carrefour. I shop weekly in Mercadona. Their gluten free products tend to be mixed in with the equivalent gluten containing ones. Products range from bread, biscuits to processed meats such as ham, salami and chorizo, sauces, even crisps can be labeled "sin gluten" , chocolate, cereals etc etc. Carrefour have a dedicated aisle with alot of their products.

 

Even if the families that your daughter was to stay with were not initially celiac aware it would be easy for them to navigate the supermarket and for your daughter to check for the "sin gluten" mark. On products not labelled and if in doubt the ingredients are clearly marked.They would need to be made aware of the cross contamination issues

 

Depending on what parts of the countries she is going would depend on how easy/difficult it may be to eat out. 

 

I hope this helps and please ask if you think i can be of anymore assistance.

[GwenO]

Wow.  Thanks so much everyone.  I'm going to meet with the teacher and the tour leader (separate tour company) and see what we can do.  I was feeling very defeated by this, and guilty because she wants to go so badly.  I appreciate the input.  And I may indeed ask more questions from you!

[Nikki2777]

Perhaps they can even match her up with a family with Celiac?  I'd get in touch with the Celiac Association in each country (I know there's one in france, and they're very helpful), and ask them if they've had a situation like this before.

[MitziG]

I think it would be totally doable. They rely far less on processed foods over there- having fresh whole foods at meals would allow for a lot of options. Her hosts could just be advised of her needs and maybe allow her a spot specifically for her food prep.