Celiac.com 05/26/2023 – Three cheers for Girl Scout Troop 3656 in Seaford, New York! The troop has successfully campaigned for gluten-free options to be added to their school district’s menu. The troop’s initiative began when troop member Giuliana Caratelli, who has celiac disease, was unable to eat school lunches, due to her immune reaction to gluten.
Determined to help their fellow scout, Troop 3656 created up a plan to promote gluten-free meals for their Bronze Award project, the first in a series of medals that move up the Girl Scout rankings. The troop presented their idea to the principal and assistant principal of Seaford Manor School, and began working with the district’s food service director, Betty Ann Fiola, on a plan to add gluten-free options to the lunch menu.
On March 9, the troop presented their project to the district Board of Education, where Giuliana spoke about celiac disease and how some brands have started to make gluten-free versions of her favorite foods like pizza, cake, cookies, and bagels. Her fellow scouts then took turns explaining their project to the board and why they wanted to add gluten-free options to the district menu.
Thanks to the efforts of Troop 3656, gluten-free options were added to the lunch menu on February 1, including Giuliana’s favorites, gluten-free pizza and gluten-free bagels. The girls taste-tested standard dishes containing gluten and their gluten-free counterparts, and some of them even preferred the gluten-free food.
“It was amazing, and it brought me to tears knowing they wanted to do this for her,” said Kristina Caratelli, Giuliana’s mother. “It was pretty cool, and it’s brought an awareness about gluten allergies.”
The Scouts brought colorful posters to their presentation to the school board to share the news of their success, and the board congratulated the girls on their accomplishment. Posters were sent to other district schools, notifying them of the modified menu.
“What a great project,” said Superintendent Dr. Adele Pecora. “There are so many people with different food allergies and food needs. It’s nice to not make lunch every single day.”
Giuliana will be graduating from the elementary school at the end of the school year, and will attend Seaford Middle School. The efforts of Troop 3656 will have a lasting impact on the Seaford School District, by making gluten-free options available for students with celiac disease, and raising awareness about food allergies.
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