I found this article really interesting. I live in England, and the issue of providing GF food in schools etc is only recently being addressed. Menus now have gluten free options available to children every day, but I don't think it is law, just down to the school and company.

The uk prescription thing SOUNDS great, but personally I think it sucks big time lol. Our prescriptions are nearly £8 each, and prescription foods vary hugely as to what you actually get for the money. You don't get much. When I was first diagnosed I thought it was a great idea, but my dietitian gave me all these samples so I could choose what to order......BUT nearly everything was awful and tasted vile. Seems to be more of a money making opportunity for a few specialist companies who only make GF products.

I buy all my food from regular supermarkets and order a few special items online, like a pastry mix. Most supermarkets here stock a range of their own brand GF foods like pastas, bread, biscuits etc. it's much MUCH cheaper and it tastes better. It also seems to have far fewer ingredients!

The only way to change attitudes and shops buying practices is to politely ask them to stock a few items, and get everyone you can to ask the same thing. If a shop thinks there is a market for something, they'll stock it. Same with cafes, schools etc. if you ask nicely and keep asking, you never know.

Good luck with this. I hope the politicians see sense, I'm not sure about the disability tag, but if it's what is needed to get GF requirements recognised by law then it has to be done. GF needs to stop being seen as a food choice people make, coeliacs don't have a choice, and the consequences of not following a GF diet are potentially serious.

Bram.