Halloween may still be over a month away, but costume shopping and treat planning are probably well underway for those looking forward to this spooky holiday.
While candy is the focus of most homes offering sweet treats on October 31, some homes may display a teal pumpkin — and it’s more than just decoration.
According to FARE – Food Allergy and Research Education – the turquoise-colored pumpkins are part of a national effort called the “Teal Pumpkin Project” to make Halloween safer for children with food allergies.
“Placing a teal pumpkin outside your door signals that in addition to candy, you offer trinkets and non-food treats safe for all trick-or-treaters,” the FARE website says.
According to FARE, one in 13 children suffer from a life-threatening food allergy, and many more are affected by food intolerances or other digestive disorders.
And because many popular Halloween candies contain some of the most common food allergies — tree nuts, milk, egg, soy or wheat — the effort, launched in 2012, has grown.
“The number of children with food allergies has increased significantly over the past 20 years, and the Teal Pumpkin Project is bringing the community together to ensure a safe and inclusive Halloween for all trick-or-treaters,” said Tiffany Leon, RD, president. and Executive Director of FARE. , said.
How the Teal Pumpkin Project Works
Place a teal-colored pumpkin outside on your porch or doorstep to signify that you have non-food or allergen-free treats in addition to or instead of traditional candy.
If you offer both, be sure to place the candy in a separate container.
If your child has food allergies, give them a teal-colored treat bucket.
FARE also provides free downloadable Teal Pumpkin Project panels for those who wish to participate. Simply print this PDF.
Houses card with a teal colored pumpkin
Before you head out trick-or-treating this year, you can check out the Teal Pumpkin Project map to see which homes near you are participating. You can also submit your home to the menu if you offer allergy-friendly treats.
However, not all houses that participate add their location to the map. So the best way to find out is to look for that teal-colored pumpkin outside.
Where to find a teal colored pumpkin
According to FARE, Teal Pumpkin Project supplies can be found at pharmacies like CVS. Target also offers teal pumpkins and teal pumpkin signs that make it very clear that a home has allergy-free alternatives.
What ideas for non-food treats?
Here is a list of ideas:
- Glow sticks, bracelets or necklaces
- Pencils, pens, colored pencils or markers
- Fun erasers or pencil decorations
- Bubbles
- Mini Slinkies
- Whistles, kazoos or noisemakers
- Bouncing balls
- Finger Puppets
- Plastic Spider Rings
- Vampire Fangs
- Monster Fingers
- Mini notepads
- playing cards
- Bookmarks
- Stickers
- Stencils
- Mini Play-doh
- Mardi Gras Beads
- Finger Skateboard
- Silly slime or putty
- Cat ears
- Masks
- Stamps
- Fancy glasses
