Having a food allergy often means being left out of parties, invites, and celebrations. For kids with a food allergy, Halloween can be downright scary and alienating. Many Halloween treats contain the eight major allergens like milk in chocolate and peanuts in many candy bars. What kid doesn’t love trick-or-treating? Let’s make this year’s Halloween celebration one where all kids can enjoy dressing up as their favorite ghost or goblin by pledging to participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project.
Started in 2014 by Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) the Teal Pumpkin Project “promotes safety, inclusion, and respect for individuals managing food allergies.” Kids with food allergies will know when they see a house adorned with a teal pumpkin that there will be safe treats for them to enjoy such as Halloween stickers, pencils, notepads, glow sticks, bouncy balls and other non-food novelties.
FARE reports homes in all 50 states and 7 countries will participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project. It expects 100,000 households to participate this year.
How can you get involved? Go to https://www.foodallergy.org/teal-pumpkin-project#.V-Fg-4grIdU
and take the Teal Pumpkin Pledge. Then grab a can of spray paint and turn your pumpkin teal! FARE’s website has other free downloadable materials to help spread the word and highlight your home as a safe one for the 1 in 13 kids with a food allergy.
All kids should have the opportunity to enjoy the thrill of Halloween. Join the movement and turn this Halloween teal!
What treats will you be handing out this Halloween? Share in the comments section.
