Funding outcome

The gluten free diet (GFD) is the only effective treatment for celiac disease in children (CD). Lack of adherence to the GFD may lead to long term health complications in children with CD. The GFD is typically 2-3 times more expensive than gluten containing diets, has significant nutritional limitations, and may not be readily accessible for families living in rural or remote communities. This can make it very difficult for Canadian families with children with CD to access a healthy, nutritious and affordable GFD for their child. Food insecurity is defined by a lack of access to a healthy, affordable and nutritious food supply. This has been associated with long term health complications in children. The global COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the risk for food insecurity as food supply chains have been significantly disrupted with rising food prices and the quality of children's diets decreasing overall. Lack of affordable, less nutrient dense and easily accessible GF-foods may result in decreased adherence to the GFD and diets in children with CD that are less healthy and more expensive when compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic. This is particularly relevant in households with limited income and/or who live in rural communities where food insecurity may be significant. Recent evidence shows that AB has the highest rates of food insecurity in Canada. No information about the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on food insecurity, dietary intake and adherence to the GFD in Canadian children with CD is available. The study purpose is to study parental perceptions about how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected parent's ability to purchase, access healthy and affordable GF-foods and to study the impact on diet quality in children with CD. This information is important for policy makers and health providers, so we can develop intervention strategies and education to help families with children with CD address food insecurity.