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4 Friday, July 26, 2024 brooklintowncrier.com Several factors affect food costs, with consumer demand playing a significant role. If more people buy a specific item, its price will likely decrease, while rare or specialty items tend to cost more. Other factors include food item processing, difficulty obtaining ingredients, and transportation. A mainstream food item's price decreases. For instance, compare the price of Oreo cookies to gluten-free ones. Gluten-free foods are significantly more expensive than non-gluten-free products. Gluten is a structural protein found in wheat and related grains such as barley and rye. Because gluten is elastic when mixed with water, it is used in various foods as a binder and to give it texture. It's a naturally occurring protein, and in some vegan foods, such as seitan, it's used as a protein substitute. Triggers auto-munie response While most people can consume gluten with no issues, for some individuals, gluten can trigger a severe auto-immune response known as celiac disease. This response to gluten can damage the small intestine. Others may be gluten-sensitive and experience symptoms like bloating and headaches. If you have concerns, it's best to take a celiac test. According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, a simple blood test for celiac disease is available. I found that all labs in Whitby offer celiac testing. A government-run pilot project announced on Celiac Canada's website said that from March, 2023, until March, 2024, OHIP would cover the cost of the testing. I couldn't find information on whether this project has been extended, but the test costs only $125.00, making it well worth the price. Expensive groceries A recent article on CBC.ca shared one family's experience with buying gluten-free products for their family and estimated that they were paying $2,600.00 a month for groceries. Two of them have celiac disease and the whole family eats gluten-free. According to Celiac Canada, gluten-free products cost 200 to 500 percent more than food with gluten due to supply issues during the pandemic. For food to be certified as gluten-free, there are specific safety standards that food manufacturers must adhere to, making their products more expensive. Following a gluten-free diet is not just a passing trend; it is a crucial health concern. In some countries, celiac disease is classified as a disability. Celiac Canada is advocating for a $1000 per year flat medical tax claim for individuals with the disease. Different names Gluten is listed in the food's ingredients but can be referred to un- der various names. Note: A product labeled as wheat-free may not be gluten-free. It's important to remember that gluten is commonly found in processed and ultra-processed foods. By preparing meals using fresh ingredients, you can easily avoid gluten contamination. For example, fresh fruits and vegetables do not contain gluten. Sheree's Hack: Check out this blog for all the names gluten is listed under: https://celiacmama.com/learn-different-names- Plant-based eating Is gluten-free more expensive? by Sheree Nicholson Nancy Van Rooy VOTE! Nancy has lived; worked; volunteered and paid her taxes to Durham Region; Pickering and Brooklin for decades. VotevanrooyMP@gmail.com Conservative.ca VOTEVANROOYMP.CA FEDERAL CONSERVATIVE NOMINEE FOR BROOKLIN AND PICKERING Campaign policies: Repair the Economy; cease overspending. 1. Stimulate manufacturing and domestic productivity.2. Build affordable and attainable housing for Canadians.3. Combat rising crime rates and increase judicial penalties for offenders.4. Remove the carbon tax and ensure Canadians receive future tax breaks!5. Curb historically high immigration rates.6. Provide Canadian seniors with services to ensure their welfare.7. Buy your membership at www.conservative.ca and nominate Nancy