Ever wonder why teal pumpkins have suddenly started showing up on doorsteps all around your neighborhood? Well, you may be surprised to learn that it’s all about safety!
The Teal Pumpkin Project is a national campaign that was launched in 2014 by the organization Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE). The color teal has been used for nearly 20 years to raise awareness about food allergies and the severity of this medical condition, which made it the perfect choice for representing their Halloween campaign.
Like all children, kids with food allergies look forward to getting dressed up in their costumes and going trick-or-treating, but for a child with life-threatening allergies they will not be able to keep or enjoy any of the candy that was given to them. This can be frustrating, sad and alienating for kids as they see all their peers enjoying the holiday in a way that they are not able to, but this is where the Teal Pumpkin Project comes in. With their goal to raise awareness and foster inclusion of people with severe food allergies, FARE is helping to create a safe environment for all children (and parents) to fully enjoy Halloween without worry.
To participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project, simply place a teal pumpkin (or a printed sign from FARE) outside your house as a signal to trick-or-treaters that you are giving out non-food items on Halloween. FARE asks that you use non-food items to ensure that no amount of contamination is possible. If you do decide to participate, keep in mind that it is also recommended you keep the non-food items in a different bowl than the food/candy items. This is very important since even trace amounts of an allergen could trigger a severe reaction.
Some ideas for non-food items to hand out are:
-glow bracelets
-pencils/pens
-stickers
-small toys
If you are the parent of a child with severe food allergies, you can find out which houses are participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project this Halloween by checking out the map on FARE’s website: www.foodallergy.org/teal-pumpkin-project. You can also add your home address to the map if you will be providing non-food items as an option for trick-or-treaters.
Have a happy and safe Halloween everyone!
