Participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project this Halloween

The Teal Pumpkin Project was created by the 501(c)(3) charitable organization FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) to help make Halloween more inclusive for kids with food allergies. By placing a teal pumpkin on your doorstep, you signal you have safe, non-food treats to offer. Learn how to spread joy and create a spellbinding experience for everyone this Halloween:

What is the Teal Pumpkin Project?

The Teal Pumpkin Project is an initiative designed to raise food allergy awareness. It encourages people to offer non-food treats in a separate bowl to help make Halloween safer and more fun for all trick-or-treaters. Participants can show their participation with a teal pumpkin or one FARE’s free printable signs.

How did the Teal Pumpkin Project get started?

The Teal Pumpkin Project was inspired by a local awareness activity run by the Food Allergy Community of East Tennessee (FACET). FACET and FARE have since joined forces to help spread the message around the country, and even overseas.

How to become a Teal Pumpkin Project participant

Families who need to be careful about candy, or anyone interested in supporting those families, can join the Teal Pumpkin Project. Participants can get started in two steps:

• Step one: Display a teal pumpkin (buy one, paint one or hang one of FARE’s free printable signs.)
• Step two: Offer non-food treats alongside or instead of candy. If putting out both candy and non-food treats, be sure to use separate serving bowls.

FARE also offers an interactive map of teal pumpkin houses. Participants can easily register their own home and join the growing network of magical, allergy-friendly stops.

Why consider food allergies?

In the U.S., an estimated one in 13 children (8%), or two students per classroom, are affected by food allergies. At least two in five children (40%) have been treated in the emergency department for food allergy reactions. And that statistic doesn’t even consider children with nonallergic dietary restrictions.

There’s no current cure for food allergies, and the only way to avoid a reaction is to stay vigilant in steering clear of known allergens. But Halloween community events, school events and trick-or-treating often include store-bought candy containing common allergens such as eggs, milk, peanuts, soy and tree nuts.

“Many people don’t realize the act of reaching into a bowl of candy where there may have been an open package can cause a reaction,” says Sung Poblete, PhD, RN, who is a clinician, a food allergy patient and the CEO of FARE.

Conjure up treats that are Teal Pumpkin Project approved

Glow sticks and light-up accessories allow children to accessorize their costumes and stay a little more visible after the sun goes down. Glow-in-the-dark tattoos and glow pendants also fit the bill.

Crayons, paint and stickers give kids an activity to take home so they can craft their own art instead of chowing down on potentially harmful treats. Decorating the house with some seasonal art might also help provide some inspiration.

Some folks might lean into the holiday with a creepy offering. They might even fill up a treat bowl with squishy toys or a party pack of creepy little toy bugs.

Spooky Halloween party favors provide interactive fun long into November and beyond. Miniatures are always a crowd-pleaser, but shoppers should make sure that any toys are age-appropriate and approved by parents.

For more ideas, read the full article here.

It doesn’t take a great deal of effort or money to help all kids feel included and safe this Halloween. You may even find your Teal Pumpkin Project treats are a hit with everyone!