Did you know 1 in 100 people are estimated to suffer from coeliac disease in the UK?  Telford & Wrekin Council is supporting the ‘Food without Fear' campaign organised by Coeliac UK.

The national campaign runs from 12^th to 18^th May 2008.  It aims to raise awareness and understanding of a gluten-free diet amongst chefs and caterers in hospitals, schools, restaurants, cafes, hotels and airlines.

Coeliac disease is not an allergy, it is an auto-immune disease caused by intolerance to gluten, which causes inflammation in the lining of the small intestine.  There is no cure or medication for the disease and the only treatment is to follow a strict gluten-free diet. 

Coeliac disease is just one of the medical diets that Telford & Wrekin School Meals can cater for in Primary and Secondary Schools across the Borough.  If a parent has a child that needs to follow a medical, religious or vegetarian diet they can book a suitable meal by speaking to the Cook in Charge at their child's school.  Alternatively parents can email lorna.hicks@telford.gov.uk with their contact details and a catering manager will be in touch.   

As part of the awareness week Telford & Wrekin School Meals has supplied a Gluten-free recipe on its school meals website http://www.myschoollunch.co.uk/telford.

Kate Sumner, Head of Service, Telford & Wrekin Facilities said: "We believe it is important to provide healthy and balanced meals for everyone, regardless of any special dietary needs.  We already cater for a number of children with special diets across the borough and aim to meet the dietary needs of all our customers."