Halloween can be a particularly stressful time for many food allergy families. One in thirteen children has a food allergy and many traditional Halloween treats are not safe for children with food allergies. The Teal Pumpkin Project aims to promote inclusion, respect, and safety of those with food allergies. Putting a teal pumpkin on your doorstep notifies others that there are non-food treats available for all trick-or-treaters. Examples of non-food treats include stickers and glow sticks. The goal of the Teal Pumpkin Project is for all children to experience Halloween in a safe way.
The Teal Pumpkin Project was inspired by a local awareness activity run by the Food Allergy Community of East Tennessee (FACET) and has spread to a worldwide phenomenon. Some people paint a pumpkin teal, while others purchase teal plastic pumpkins to participate. Candy can still be offered, but a separate bin of non-edible treats is very helpful for families navigating trick-or-treating. If you don’t have time to paint a pumpkin teal, free flyers and signs can be found on the website of Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) at https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/free-teal-pumpkin-project-resources.
Though the Teal Pumpkin Project helps patients with classic food allergies such as peanut allergy, it also raises awareness for other forms of adverse reactions due to food. Any child with a diagnosis requiring a special diet can benefit from the Teal Pumpkin Project. Children with eosinophilic esophagitis, celiac disease, and food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome may have to avoid certain foods. Having non-food items available helps those patients as well and fosters a spirit of inclusion for all children.
What can you do to help? Spread the word. Raise awareness about food allergy and the Teal Pumpkin Project. Put a teal pumpkin outside your door on October 31 and offer non-edible treats. Those with food allergies will see the teal pumpkin and know your home is a place they can trick-or-treat without worry. The Teal Pumpkin Project is a way to allow all children to experience Halloween safely.
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