While trick-or-treating in search of candy is still popular, many groups are looking for ways to make the annual tradition more relevant and meaningful. For example:
• This is the 58th anniversary of Trick-and-Treat-for-UNICEF, where children are encouraged to raise money for a good cause rather than just get candy. UNICEF points out that 6 cents can buy one sachet of Oral Rehydration Salts to help children combat dehydration; 38 cents can provide one severely malnourished child with safe drinking water for 40 days; $3 can provide a warm blanket to a kid in an emergency. To learn more, visit www.unicefusa.org/trickortreat.
• An organization called Earth 911 is offering tips on ways to green up your trick-or-treating, such as walk the neighborhood rather than driving to other areas; hand out recyclables (soda in aluminum cans, for example); reuse, remake or make do with your costume. For more ideas, visit www.earth911.org.
• At www.treehugger.com you can learn about reverse trick-or-treating, a project that calls attention to forced child labor on many farms that supply cocoa. Reverse trick-or-treaters are asked to hand out fair trade chocolates and a card with information on companies that encourage fair trade practices.
• The National Confectioners Association points out that many of its members have responded to requests for portion-controlled, calorie-controlled, reduced-fat, sugar-free and fortified treats. You can look for 100-calorie packs of everything from snack mix to Swedish Fish to Sour Patch Kids; granola bars with calcium; fruit snacks and candies fortified with vitamin C; and other such treats.