Everything You Need To Know About The Teal Pumpkin Project

One in thirteen children in the United States lives with a food allergy or food restriction. Whether life threatening or not, these restrictions can make Halloween difficult. For years, kids with allergies were forced to forgo trick-or-treating altogether.

Thankfully, a unique solution is taking root across the country. Started in Tennessee, the Teal Pumpkin Project is something you’ve likely heard of by now. In case you haven’t yet, it’s an effort to increase and bring awareness to the number of homes that offer allergy safe, non-food treats on Halloween. It’s a beautiful way for kids with restrictions to experience the fun of Halloween in a much more normal sense than ever before!

Although participation is simple, we want to make it easy for your family to participate in this great event by answering some common questions about this program that brings back the fun of Halloween for those living with food restrictions. It’s simple and easy to participate, and hopefully we can make it even easier.

• To participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project, I can ONLY distribute non-candy treats. MYTH- You are welcome to participate by having candy treats and non-candy treats in separate containers. These items simply need to be kept separate to ensure things are safe for children facing life-threatening allergies. There is no need to forgo candy altogether, unless that’s what you want to do!

• The teal pumpkin is the only way to notify my neighbors that we’re an allergy friendly home. MYTH- The Teal Pumpkin Project offers a registry on their website for homes to add their names to an online map. This will give trick-or-treaters the go ahead to visit your home for safe goodies. You can place a teal pumpkin on your porch or post a sign that is easy to see. In addition, you spread the word on social media that you’re offering non-candy options this year!

• Kids with life threatening allergies are the only ones who need non-food treats. MYTH- In addition to allergies, many children live with a restricted diet for a variety of reasons. For instance, many children on the autism spectrum manage their diagnosis with a strict diet. Having non-candy options is a way to include a wide variety of children.

• I won’t know which kids to give the non-food treats. MYTH- There are lots of simple ways to determine if a child needs a non-food option this Halloween. You can ask “candy or a prize?” or you can post a sign available on the FARE website that says “You Pick: Candy or Prize.” Most kids who spot your teal pumpkin will let you know, or their parents may also inform you. There are also teal trick-or-treat bags and flashlights that could signify the difference.

• All non-food treats are safe. MYTH- Some treats are not safe even if they aren’t food. Modeling clay can contain wheat (a common allergen) and could prove problematic for children with a wheat allergy. The Teal Pumpkin Project website has great ideas for simple treats. Bouncy balls, crayons, coloring books, stickers, plastic figures, are all some great ideas for an allergy friendly stash.

• Participation in this project is difficult and not worth the trouble. MYTH- It is simple to participate in this unique way to be inclusive of everyone on Halloween. Simply place a teal pumpkin in a visible location (you can paint one yourself or purchase one from lots of retailers) and then have a second bowl on non-candy treats on Halloween. You will provide a way for kids with allergies to feel normal and part of the fun on Halloween.

  
  

Don’t let misinformation about this unique program keep your family from participating. Consider doing a few simple things to make your home safe and fun for children with allergies this Halloween!

Let us know, have you participated in the Teal Pumpkin Project? What are your favorite non-candy treats?

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