One in every 13 children potentially suffers from a severe food allergy in the U.S., which can lead to one in every 13 feeling excluded from the holiday festivities approaching this week.
However, this one nationwide movement is raising awareness and has a solution to make sure that every child has a good time trick-or-treating this Halloween.
What is the Teal Pumpkin Project?
The Food Allergy Research and Education website explains the the Teal Pumpkin Project is where those participating put a teal pumpkin on their porch or doorstep to let trick-or-treaters know that they have “non-food treats available, such as glow sticks or small toys,” for those who may have food allergies.
“This simple act promotes inclusion for trick-or-treaters with food allergies or other conditions,” FARE detailed.
The Teal Pumpkin Project is a movement that has raised awareness of food allergies nationwide during the trick-or-treat season.
How did the Teal Pumpkin Project start?
The Teal Pumpkin Project’s assistant director of training and professional programs, Tiffany Leon, told the Deseret News, “it was launched by a food allergy mom and some of her peers back in 2012 and then FARE adopted it in 2014.”
Leon continued explaining, “since then it really has been apart of the fabric of Halloween and we’re seeing it across the fifty states as well as abroad.”
In a press release received by the Deseret News, the way children can know which house is participating is that a house will display a teal-colored pumpkin on their doorstep, signaling that they are handing out nonfood toys and trinkets in separate bowl for trick-or-treaters.
Leon told the Deseret News that the Teal Pumpkin Project partners with many experts on food allergies and dietitians to come together and work on how to make the holiday season enjoyable for those who may not be able to eat the typical treats provided.
“We are not afraid to ask for help and we know that the expertise is not only ours so we prefer to collaborate with other organizations,” Leon said.
How can I get involved in the Teal Pumpkin Project?
“CVS is our major retailer and they got on board with us last year which is awesome but a lot of the major retailers also have teal pumpkins, teal pumpkin buckets, I even found a flag on Amazon,” Leon said. “CVS does make it really convenient and I’m so grateful for that partnership.”
Participating is made easy by looking in the aisles of major retailers or even dollar stores in order to find objects such as spider rings, stickers, action figures, games and more to give out to kids who may be sensitive to Halloween candy.
“I’ve offered playing cards and bubbles before,” Leon explained giving some ideas for those interested in participating.
In the press release received by the Deseret News, it was explained that the Teal Pumpkin Project has partnered with CVS Pharmacy which offers “many items under $5 including light up toys, glow sticks, games and trick-or-treating supplies. Starting Oct. 1, families looking to join the Teal Pumpkin Project can find participating CVS store locations on FARE’s interactive neighborhood map, which also features homes and events across the U.S. that offer alternatives to traditional Halloween candy.”
Once you have secured your items make sure you put a teal pumpkin on your porch to signal to the trick or treaters that if they have food allergies they can come to your home to claim other prizes.