Lots of us have seen the teal pumpkins on porches while Trick-or-treating with our kids. You likely thought it was just another cute Halloween decoration but that is probably because you don’t have a child with food allergies.
Halloween can be a difficult time for children with food allergies and their parents. Parents want to allow their children to go Trick-or-treating with their friends, but when life-threatening food allergies are involved, it makes it difficult to find a balance.
The Teal Pumpkin Project helps families with food allergies know which houses are providing non-food treats for their little monsters. It’s easy to participate – simply place a teal pumpkin (or a sign) outside to show that your house is participating and provide a non-food treat for trick-or-treaters. Suggestions for non-food treats include glow bracelets, necklaces, stickers, pencils, bubbles, crayons, slinkies, whistles, finger puppets, bookmarks. All of these items can be purchased in bulk, just like Halloween candy, and they don’t expire so you can always save extras for next year. As a reminder, don’t choose non-food items such as clay, which could contain wheat allergens, or balloons due to latex allergies.If you choose to participate, you can also add your house to the Teal Pumpkin Project Map.
Participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project doesn’t mean that you can’t give away candy on Halloween too! Simply keep your candy and non-candy items separate and let trick-or-treaters choose which they prefer when they arrive.
For more information on the Teal Pumpkin Project or food allergies visit Food Allergy Research & Education.
Sources: FARE
