10 Smart Tips for Supporting Your Gluten-Free Student

10 Smart Tips for Supporting Your Gluten-Free Student brought to us by Carolyn Haeler

1. Start with the School Staff: Meet with school nutrition and administrative teams to discuss gluten-free policies and substitutions.
2. Ask About Cross-Contamination Protocols: Understand how shared surfaces and utensils are handled.
3. Loop in the Teachers: Let teachers know what your child can’t eat—and what snacks are safe to keep on hand.
4. Plan Inclusive Classroom Events: Encourage gluten-free, allergy-safe snacks for parties and celebrations.
5. Monitor Craft Supplies: Watch for hidden gluten in items like play dough, papier-mâché, or envelope glue.
6. Teach Your Child to Politely Decline Food: Empower them to say no to food shared by classmates.
7. Practice Good Hygiene: Handwashing before eating helps minimize accidental gluten exposure.
8. Make a Gluten-Free Lunch Checklist: Use it to guide grocery shopping and meal prep.
9. Pack Lunches Together: Prep the night before to avoid morning stress and encourage independence.
10. Pack to Share: Add an extra treat so your child can show classmates how tasty gluten-free can be!

Founder Carolyn Haeler adds:
“Get kids involved in planning their own gluten-free meals. Grocery shopping together is a great time to teach label reading and introduce new options. Think beyond boring brown bags—try bento boxes, reusable snack bags, or insulated jars for hot lunches.”

Planning for school events like pizza parties, Halloween, or Thanksgiving? Ask about menus in advance so you can provide safe, gluten-free alternatives—like a personal gluten-free pizza.

Thank you,

Glenda, Charlie and David Cates