Offer gluten-free options at Rideau Park School fun lunch
The Issue
As a student at Rideau Park School in Calgary, Alberta, I have always looked forward to the fun lunch events. These events are supposed to be a break from the usual school routine—a time to enjoy food and relax with friends. However, for students like me with celiac disease, these events often feel isolating because we cannot participate due to the lack of gluten-free options.
I remember one time trying to arrange for a separate meal that I could pick up during a fun lunch. Rather than being met with understanding or solutions, it felt like an uphill struggle, and I ended up being left out of the experience. It wasn't just a missed meal; it was a missed opportunity to join in with my peers and feel included in my school community.
Celiac disease is more than just dietary preference. For those of us who live with it, ingesting gluten leads to severe health issues, and the only treatment is a strict gluten-free diet. According to the Canadian Celiac Association, it is estimated that about 1 in 114 Canadians have celiac disease, and they deserve the opportunity to engage fully in school activities.
Offering gluten-free options during fun lunches at Rideau Park School is not just about food; it's about inclusion. It would mean that all students, regardless of dietary restrictions, can share in the joy and community that these occasions create. The practicality of offering gluten-free options is within reach—many food vendors now provide gluten-free products that are just as delicious and enjoyable as traditional offerings.
I urge the administration of Rideau Park School to work with the Parent-Teacher Association and local vendors to provide at least one safe and delicious gluten-free option at every fun lunch event. By doing so, we can ensure no child is left out simply because of their dietary requirements.
Please sign this petition to show your support for making Rideau Park School a more inclusive and welcoming place for all students. Together, we can make a difference and create an environment where everyone feels welcomed and valued.
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The Issue
As a student at Rideau Park School in Calgary, Alberta, I have always looked forward to the fun lunch events. These events are supposed to be a break from the usual school routine—a time to enjoy food and relax with friends. However, for students like me with celiac disease, these events often feel isolating because we cannot participate due to the lack of gluten-free options.
I remember one time trying to arrange for a separate meal that I could pick up during a fun lunch. Rather than being met with understanding or solutions, it felt like an uphill struggle, and I ended up being left out of the experience. It wasn't just a missed meal; it was a missed opportunity to join in with my peers and feel included in my school community.
Celiac disease is more than just dietary preference. For those of us who live with it, ingesting gluten leads to severe health issues, and the only treatment is a strict gluten-free diet. According to the Canadian Celiac Association, it is estimated that about 1 in 114 Canadians have celiac disease, and they deserve the opportunity to engage fully in school activities.
Offering gluten-free options during fun lunches at Rideau Park School is not just about food; it's about inclusion. It would mean that all students, regardless of dietary restrictions, can share in the joy and community that these occasions create. The practicality of offering gluten-free options is within reach—many food vendors now provide gluten-free products that are just as delicious and enjoyable as traditional offerings.
I urge the administration of Rideau Park School to work with the Parent-Teacher Association and local vendors to provide at least one safe and delicious gluten-free option at every fun lunch event. By doing so, we can ensure no child is left out simply because of their dietary requirements.
Please sign this petition to show your support for making Rideau Park School a more inclusive and welcoming place for all students. Together, we can make a difference and create an environment where everyone feels welcomed and valued.
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Petition created on November 5, 2026