Celiac disease management and food inclusion initiatives in Italy

The Associazione Italiana Celiachia (AIC) is providing guidance for managing celiac disease in schools, noting that over 34,000 students in infancy and primary education require strict gluten-free diets. The AIC emphasizes that a gluten-free diet is a lifelong medical necessity rather than a dietary trend and stresses the importance of proper medical diagnosis before implementation. The goal is to ensure students can participate fully in school life, including lunches, snacks, and field trips, through informed school communities and proper organization.

In Varese, the Gluten Freaks Food Festival will be held at Villa Recalcati from September 11 to 13. Organized by Valentina Mentasti of the Gluten Freaks Clube, the event aims to promote food inclusion and combat stereotypes surrounding gluten-free living. The festival will feature a 100% gluten-free food court, along with talks and workshops covering topics such as nutrition, school, tourism, and health. The event is free to the public and seeks to transform food from a source of exclusion into a moment of shared experience.