Thank you to those individuals who have contributed to and supported our Gluten Free Celiac Hampers Initiative with Harvest Manitoba.

We had our THIRD packing Event on SEPTERMBER 29th, 2021. Again we had 120 Hampers packed with some delicious Gluten Free food to be distributed through Harvest Manitoba to the Food Banks where those requiring Gluten Free Food.

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One of the hampers packed with an information brochure about the Manitoba Chapter
Food purchased by the Manitoba Chapter to be added to the hampers.

We would like to thank those who Volunteered their time on September 29th, 2021 to pack the hampers. If you are interested in assisting with the next hamper packing or donating food please contact us via email: office@manitobaceliac.com

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Thank you to our SEPTEMBER 2021 Harvest Packing Volunteer Team

We would also like to thank the incredible donations from the following organizations, as well with assistance from local organizations in procuring gluten free food:

Only Oats
Thank you for the bags of Gluten Free Oats!

We will be continuing with this partnership and initiative as a regular part of our Manitoba Chapter’ of the Canadian Celiac Association work to support those in Manitoba living with Celiac Disease.

To contribute to the Initiative Please Make a donation through CANADA HELPS and designate in the note that you would like your donation to go toward the Manitoba Harvest Gluten Free food Bank Initiative.

To those who have donated during Celiac Awareness Month and to those who participated and raised funds in our 21st Annual (Virtual) Walk-a-thon, we cannot say it enough…………

The Executive Board of the Manitoba Chapter of the Canadian Celiac Association would like to thank all who supported their fundraising efforts over the past 2 months.

We have raised a substantial sum to procure gluten free food hampers to supply those in need through Harvest Manitoba.

The support from the Celiac Community in Manitoba is really quite incredible.

Hopefully, soon we will be able to gather to share a gluten free treat over a beverage. Please continue to stay safe during these times.

For more information, regarding these past events and our fundraising, events and activities, please sign up for our newsletter.

We have 2 Winnipeg Landmarks going GREEN for Celiac Disease Awareness Day on May 16th.

The Manitoba Legislature will be Green along with the WINNIPEG sign at the Forks!!

We have an Food Bank Initiative to provide Gluten Free Food Hampers through Harvest Manitoba to those living with Celiac Disease in Manitoba and have a contactless drive by drop off of non-perishable gluten free food at the Forks from 7-9pm.

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Hello All,

There is a general public concern as the Corona Virus (COVID-19) has been detected in Manitoba. Now that it is closer to home, we understand there may be questions on how it will impact those diagnosed with Celiac Disease. The Manitoba Chapter of the Canadian Celiac Association is concerned about the health, safety and well-being of members, volunteers, and supporters in our community. The Manitoba Chapter’s Board, at their recent meeting, discussed contingency plans for the upcoming planned events as well as Celiac Awareness Month.

In response to the situation, the most up-to-date information and/or statements from the National Canadian Celiac Association has been assembled. Also included are statements from Celiac Disease experts that have been compiled for you, which summarizes the impact of the virus on those living with Celiac Disease. Also included are recommended websites and a summary of recommendations to keep oneself safe during this time.

THE MOST UP TO DATE STATEMENTS PROVIDED BY THE NATIONAL CANADIAN CELIAC ASSOCIATION CAN BE FOUND HERE:

https://www.celiac.ca/news-events/covid19/

  • Celiac Disease and Corona Virus (COVID-19)

DECEMBER 2020 UPDATE

PAC statement on COVID 19 Vaccination

A vaccine has recently been approved in Canada for COVID-19 and we anticipate more vaccines will be available in the future.  Our celiac community is asking for guidance of vaccination for COVID-19. At the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, there was a concern that people with celiac disease might be at increased risk of contracting COVID-19 and had severe outcomes from the infection, given prior studies suggesting increased risks from pneumonia and viral infections. Thus far, we have learned from an international large study1 and celiac registry2 that individuals with celiac disease are not more likely to contract COVID-19 or to have adverse outcomes from COVID-19 infection compared to the non-celiac population.  However, we have seen the devastating effects of COVID-19 in the Canadian and worldwide population, and therefore, mass vaccination is crucial to provide immunity against this virus. We recommend that people with celiac disease receive the COVID-19 vaccine approved according to their provincially determined prioritization schedules.  Having a diagnosis of celiac disease should not affect the efficacy of the vaccine and should not be associated with any added adverse outcome from vaccination. It is important to clarify that celiac disease is not considered an allergy, and therefore, there is no anticipated need to take any additional precaution when proceeding with vaccination.

1-     ZhenJ et al, CGH 2020

2-     International ISECURE celiac registry: https://covidceliac.org/home

NOVEMBER 2020 UPDATE

COVID-19 Celiac Study Released – Canadian Celiac Association

MARCH 2020 STATEMENT AND UPDATE — BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON COVID-19 AND CELIAC DISEASE

  • Information from the National Canadian Celiac Association Web Page

”Patients with only celiac are not immunocompromised, unless they are taking medications for other medical conditions which are immunosuppressive. Like everyone, they should exercise careful infection control practices, including washing hands with soap and water frequently, and avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth. Patients with other comorbidities such as diabetes may be at higher risk of severe infection and should take additional precautions.”

  • A Celiac disease expert Dr. Alessio Fasano, chief of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition at Mass General Hospital for Children, has provided some information also. 

To watch:

Dr. Alessio Fasano

Click the link below or copy the link below and paste into your browser. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3RzvCeObFME

  • Statement from the Celiac Disease Centre at Columbia University Medical Center
  • The Celiac Project Has provided a pod cast to help clear up some misconceptions about the virus and how it impacts those with Celiac Disease

To Listen:

Click the link or alternatively copy the link below and paste into your browser

http://celiacprojectpodcast.libsyn.com/

Other General Coronavirus (COVID-19) Sources available:

  • Centre of Disease control

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

  • Health Canada

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html#faq

  • Manitoba Government Website

https://manitoba.ca/covid19/

Recommendations:

From the Manitoba Government Website:

https://manitoba.ca/covid19/

Strategies for all Manitobans:

  • minimizing prolonged (more than 10 minutes), close (less than two meters/ six feet) contact

between other individuals in public,

  • avoiding greetings that involve touching such as handshakes,
  • disinfecting frequently used surfaces,
  • following public health advice related to self-monitoring and self-isolation if you have travelled or have been exposed to someone ill with the virus, and
  • considering avoiding travel, crowded places and events, especially if you are at higher risk (e.g. seniors and those with underlying medical conditions)

How can I reduce my risk of infection?

Good hand hygiene provides significant protection from viral respiratory illnesses.

People are encouraged to take common prevention measures, including regular handwashing with soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds. Make sure to dry your hands thoroughly. Or, you can use an alcohol-based hand cleanser if your hands are not visibly dirty. It is especially important to clean your hands:

  • after coughing or sneezing
  • when caring for a sick person
  • before, during and after you prepare food
  • before eating
  • after toilet use
  • when hands are visibly dirty

You should also cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, or you can cough or sneeze into your sleeve. Throw used tissues in the garbage and immediately wash your hands, or use an alcohol-based hand cleanser.

Avoid close contact (within 2 meters/6 feet) with anyone showing symptoms of a respiratory illness, such as coughing or sneezing.

Children and adolescents should avoid sharing food/drinks (e.g. sippy cups and water bottles), musical instruments or other things that have been in a person’s mouth (e.g., soothers).

Please stay safe and healthy during this time

We shall be updating individuals on this webpage, our Facebook Page, Celi-yak Newsletter and as well our email list.

Website: www.celiac.ca

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCAMBChapter/

All But GlutenA major national baker is now producing a new line of gluten-free baked goods.  Weston Bakeries has launched the All But Gluten line, which includes bread, focaccio, muffins, brownies, macaroons and pizza shells.

The line is produced in a gluten-free facility and bears the CCA GCFP certification.  All But Gluten products are available locally at Walmart stores.

Belgian waffleIf you don’t already have a waffle maker, you might think about getting one.  One of our readers, Sandra, has sent us this recipe for delectable Belgian waffles.  It’s quick, easy and of course, gluten-free.

“I started making these waffles for my teenage son.  Soon his friends were starting to invite themselves over for sleepover parties just so they could have my waffles in the morning.”

“They don’t care that they’re gluten-free”, Sandra explains.  “Just top them with butter and syrup and they’re fantastic.  To make them special, top with yogurt and fresh fruit, or hit it right out of the park with whipping cream.”

Here’s Sandra’s recipe.

  • 1 cup rice flour
  • 1/2 cup potato starch or corn starch
  • 1/4 cup tapioca flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs or or 1/3 cup egg substitute
  • 1 and 1/2 cups buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup canola oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat waffle iron to desired setting.  In a large bowl, mix together the flours, starch, baking powder, salt and sugar.  In a separate medium bowl, beat the eggs. Add the buttermilk, oil and vanilla and mix well.  Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until well-combined and moistened.  Cook according to waffle maker’s directions.

This recipe makes about 3 large Belgian waffles.  Serve immediately with your favourite toppings.

To submit your favourite gluten-free recipe, or anything worth posting, send an e-mail to recipesmbcca@gmail.com.