Sponsored Post: How Schar is Supporting Families in Need

Millions of children and families in the United States experience hunger and food insecurity on a daily basis. According to the most recent USDA Household Food Insecurity in the United States (U.S.) report, more than 35 million people (or 10% of the population) in the United States experienced hunger in 2019 (1). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this number has increased significantly in the past year. To make matters worse, many individuals who experience food insecurity do not qualify for federal relief and need to rely on local food banks and other food assistance programs for support (2). At Dr. Schär USA (Schär), we are proud to support the National Celiac Association’s Feeding Gluten-Free program, which aims to improve access to high quality gluten-free food at local food banks.

Celiac disease affects about 1% of the U.S. population, but up to 20% of people experience a food intolerance that requires a special diet (e.g. gluten-free, low FODMAP, wheat free, etc.) to maintain health and avoid digestive upset (3). Purchasing foods to accommodate these specialized diets is often a financial burden for families. In fact, one recent study found that gluten-free foods are up to 183% more expensive than similar gluten-containing products (4).

Food made for people with special dietary needs, including gluten-free food, can also more difficult to find in a food bank or soup kitchen, particularly in rural areas. While many food companies make donations on a regular basis, the demand does not always meet the need, and availability is inconsistent.

In 2020, Schär entered into a partnership with the National Celiac Association to support their Feeding Gluten-Free program and make our delicious and nutritious gluten-free food available to families in need. Since this partnership was established, we have donated thousands of products to National Celiac Association programs, amounting to over $300,000. We are proud to say that fighting food insecurity has become a company priority over the past year, as we have also donated to numerous hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities throughout the pandemic.

Since 1981, Schär has been working to better the lives of those suffering from celiac disease or gluten intolerance – long before it became a “trend.” Originally founded in Italy, we are now a global brand with offices all over the world. From field to fork, our team of experts select the best ingredients from farmers who grow cereal grains especially for Schär.  We produce our food in dedicated gluten-free facilities and adhere to strict quality protocols to ensure that our food is safe for all people with celiac disease and gluten intolerance. Everyone deserves a happy, healthy life, and Schär is here to help make that happen.

References:

1. https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/food-security-in-the-us/
2. https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america
3. Zopf Y, Baenkler HW, Silbermann A, Hahn EG, Raithel M. The differential diagnosis of food intolerance. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2009;106(21):359-370. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2009.0359
4. Lee AR, Wolf RL, Lebwohl B, Ciaccio EJ, Green PHR. Persistent Economic Burden of the Gluten Free Diet. Nutrients. 2019 Feb 14; 11(2):399. doi: 10.3390/nu11020399. PMID: 30769836; PMCID: PMC6412592