Children begin anticipating Halloween almost as soon as autumn begins. They start by planning their costumes, choosing the perfect pumpkin for the doorstep, and boasting to their friends about how many treats they are going to collect on Halloween night.
But for children with food allergies, digestive diseases, Celiac’s disease, diabetes, or other special diets, Halloween can be a tricky time. Many popular treats that families pass out to trick-or-treaters are not safe for these children and they come away disappointed with their Halloween haul.
According to foodallergy.org, one in 13 children has a food allergy, and even a tiny amount of an allergen has the potential to cause a severe reaction. Candy often contains some of the most common allergens, such as nuts, milk, egg, soy and wheat. Many miniature candy items do not have individual ingredient labels, which can make it difficult for parents to determine if it is safe to eat.
The Teal Pumpkin Project, inspired by a local awareness activity run by the Food Allergy Community of East Tennessee, became a national campaign by the Food Allergy Research and Education nonprofit organization in 2014. Families participate by displaying a teal pumpkin and/or sign at their home indicating that there are non-food treats available for trick-or-treaters. The goal of the Teal Pumpkin Project is to make sure that all children come home on Halloween night with treats that they can enjoy and feel included with their friends.
Estero mom, Rachel Cohen and her four year-old son, Eli, are allergic to tree nuts, peanuts, soy, and gluten. Last Halloween, Rachel spread the word about the Teal Pumpkin Project in her neighborhood and was thrilled that nearly 20 houses participated. When she found out that her daughter Sarah would be on the October Neapolitan Family cover with teal pumpkins, she was excited to help raise awareness about food allergies to the whole community.
“I am so happy that our community is spreading the word on the Teal Pumpkin Project so children don’t have to feel deprived of a good time and receive good “treats” that won’t make them sick,” Cohen says. “Painted rocks, seashells, stickers, Play-Doh, bubbles, pencils, and many more are all great treats for the children with allergies, and it doesn’t cost a fortune.”
How do I participate?
- Buy a teal pumpkin or paint one.
- Download a free, printable sign here and display at your home.
- Use the hashtag #tealpumpkinproject on social media to help spread awareness.
- Change your profile picture or cover photo by downloading the logo above or sharing this fun video on your social media.
- Spread the word among your neighbors and at your school, religious organizations, and clubs.
- Host a teal pumpkin party and have children paint and decorate teal pumpkins for their home.
- Provide non-food treat options for trick-or-treaters.
Ideas for Non-Food Treats
- Glow sticks, bracelets, or necklaces
- Pencils, pens, crayons, or markers
- Bubbles
- Halloween erasers or pencil toppers
- Mini Slinkies
- Whistles or kazoos
- Bouncy balls
- Finger puppets or novelty toys
- Coins
- Spider rings
- Vampire fangs
- Mini notepads
- Playing cards
- Bookmarks
- Stickers
For more information please click here. Neapolitan Family will share information about any public event or community participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project this Halloween season on our website and social media. Please send details to info@neafamily.com.
“The TEAL PUMPKIN PROJECT® and the Teal Pumpkin Project® logo are registered trademarks of Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE).”