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Help! Heading To A Funeral In Southern Ontario

2wheels4eyes

By 2wheels4eyes
in Coping with Celiac Disease

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2wheels4eyes Explorer
2wheels4eyes
Posted

(My apologies if I've posted this in the wrong spot--I'm looking for specific travel advice but also just general coping advice as well.)

I'm from Ontario originally, but live in Minnesota now (and was diagnosed here). I haven't been home since the new diet--Christmas was to be my family's first exposure to my gluten free life in all its fraught complexity. But my grandmother has just died and I'm heading home early (as in tomorrow a.m.) for the funeral and then staying over the holidays. I'm so upset about my grandma the last thing I want to think about is food--but I know if I don't pack stuff I won't have anything for days. I'm not even sure what gluten-free shopping options are available--I'll be staying in Kitchener, the funeral is in Delhi (near Simcoe). I know there will be absolutely no time tomorrow or Monday to shop so I should bring some stuff with me. I also won't be renting a car--so at the mercy of my relatives to drive me about if I need to shop.

What do people find is most useful and/or easy to bring when out of town? I was thinking Lara bars & my own gluten-free cereal/fruit/nut bars. Should I bring crackers or bread or not bother? I've been hassled in the past about bringing food across the border--it's an invitation to customs to go through all your luggage, making sure you declared everything. And they don't seem to like it when you bring fresh stuff (e.g. an apple) with you. My partner thinks it would be good to bring some Thai Kitchen just-add-water meals but that seems to be a bit much. There will be a reception after the funeral held at the local church. I have no idea what's being prepared food-wise. This is one of those times when I wish I could just go without eating altogether.

Any packing ideas--or shopping tips while in K-W--would be of great help to me.

Thank you!

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Phyllis28 Apprentice
Phyllis28
Posted
(My apologies if I've posted this in the wrong spot--I'm looking for specific travel advice but also just general coping advice as well.)

I'm from Ontario originally, but live in Minnesota now (and was diagnosed here). I haven't been home since the new diet--Christmas was to be my family's first exposure to my gluten free life in all its fraught complexity. But my grandmother has just died and I'm heading home early (as in tomorrow a.m.) for the funeral and then staying over the holidays. I'm so upset about my grandma the last thing I want to think about is food--but I know if I don't pack stuff I won't have anything for days. I'm not even sure what gluten-free shopping options are available--I'll be staying in Kitchener, the funeral is in Delhi (near Simcoe). I know there will be absolutely no time tomorrow or Monday to shop so I should bring some stuff with me. I also won't be renting a car--so at the mercy of my relatives to drive me about if I need to shop.

What do people find is most useful and/or easy to bring when out of town? I was thinking Lara bars & my own gluten-free cereal/fruit/nut bars. Should I bring crackers or bread or not bother? I've been hassled in the past about bringing food across the border--it's an invitation to customs to go through all your luggage, making sure you declared everything. And they don't seem to like it when you bring fresh stuff (e.g. an apple) with you. My partner thinks it would be good to bring some Thai Kitchen just-add-water meals but that seems to be a bit much. There will be a reception after the funeral held at the local church. I have no idea what's being prepared food-wise. This is one of those times when I wish I could just go without eating altogether.

Any packing ideas--or shopping tips while in K-W--would be of great help to me.

Thank you!

Phyllis28 Apprentice
Phyllis28
Posted

I would suggest you bring the following:

A loaf of gluten free bread, a jar of peanut butter, a jar of jelly, Gluten-free bars, Gluten-free cereal, Gluten free salad dressing (packed in tupperware or Container Store leak proof bottles). These are the items I bring along when I go to a place I am not familiar with. You will have to check you bags. The peanut butter, jelly and salad dressing are not allowed on the airplane.

I traveled 41,000 miles last year. Salad is usually available at my destination.

Phyllis Gluten-Free 28 years.

kbtoyssni Contributor
kbtoyssni
Posted

I always bring a loaf of gluten-free bread, slices of cheese, lettuce, sometimes sandwich meat, those mini-packets of mustard you get at fast food places. You can make a pretty mean sandwich. I also bring toaster bags so I can make toast or have a restaurant toast my sandwich for me. Open Original Shared Link .com/Toaster-Bags-Set-of-...;s=gourmet-food I know it's too late for you to get some, but maybe for next time.

I also bring individually wrapped string cheese, lots of apples/bananas (but I'm not sure about the boarder stuff), chocolate (Dove or mini M&M bags). Last time I traveled we were going to a BBQ so I brought chicken sausage and foil. I also brought some Thai Kitchen "ramen" noodles. I usually bake before I travel and bring peanut butter cookies. Last time I brought PB and chocolate bars. Crackers and cheese is good, too. You can buy a lot of this stuff when you get there if you don't have time to shop now. I'm sure someone could take you to the store.

Sorry to hear about your grandmother. I hope your weekend goes well and try not to stress out about the food too much.

How old are you again?

mamaw Community Regular
mamaw
Posted

Sorry about your grandmother,I hope you have alot of memories. I miss my deceased family members alot but I just start remembering a wonderful time with them & they seem to be right with me for that moment.You can keep them alive in your heart.

It appears you already received some food tips. When I travel across borders I always carry a note from my doctor stating I need a special diet so I must carry food with me... Also I know if you had time you can call the airline ahead of departure & let them know.... It is less hassle that way. I also know that all food must be labeled....

blessings to you & your family on your loss.

mamaw

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