We have an important opportunity for Massachusetts residents to contact their legislators today in support of two timely pieces of legislation.
In January of 2026, the CAPE Act and the SNACCK Act were introduced in the Massachusetts legislature by Representative Michelle Badger and Senator Joan Lovely.
These two bills aim to address long-standing gaps in celiac disease diagnosis and safe gluten-free food access as part of the state’s Universal School Meals Program. Since their introduction only a few months ago, together with Representative Badger and Senator Lovely, the Celiac Disease Foundation and our community of advocates took action to spread the word on this legislation.
Thanks to the Foundation’s determined network of advocates, we’re excited to share that both bills have received legislative committee hearings this month:
The SNACCK Act: H.5012/ S.2927, known as the SNACCK Act (Safe Nutrition, Allergen, and Celiac Communication for Kids), focuses on improving transparency and communication around medically necessary diets in schools to support safe participation in the Universal School Meals Program.
Hearing date: March 19th, 2026 at 12pm, in-person and virtual.
For more information visit: https://malegislature.gov/Events/Hearings/Detail/5592
The CAPE Act: H.5013/ S.2928, known as the CAPE Act (Celiac Awareness and Pediatric Evaluation Act), establishes a pilot program to evaluate routine screening for celiac disease in children.
Hearing date: March 23rd, 2026 at 10am, in-person and virtual.
For more information visit: https://malegislature.gov/Events/Hearings/Detail/5628
These two bills were informed by extensive research, clinical collaboration, and stakeholder engagement led by the Foundation’s education and policy teams, working closely with pediatric clinicians at Boston Children’s Hospital and Mass General Hospital for Children, researchers, school nutrition professionals, and families across the Commonwealth.
A committee hearing represents monumental progress for these bills as the Massachusetts legislature begins to advance both the SNACCK Act and CAPE Act through the legislative process with the goal of eventually becoming law.
But the importance of these hearings extends beyond their impact in one state.
These hearings are an opportunity to shine a light on the need for more recognition of coordinated public health, education, and policy responses necessary to manage this serious autoimmune disease. If these bills are enacted, they could help diagnose children earlier, reduce preventable health complications, and improve access to safe, inclusive school meals across Massachusetts.
Massachusetts residents, seize on this momentum by reaching out to your state legislators today and urging them to co-sponsor the SNACCK Act and CAPE Act!
To contact your state Representative and Senator, please use the following links: