Teal pumpkins promote safe spaces for kids with allergies

For most children, trick-or-treating is a fun way to dress in costumes and collect their favorite candy. But for children with food allergies, this weekend’s festivities can present a tempting danger.

The Teal Pumpkin Project is a simple way to make trick-or-treating safer and more inclusive for the one in 13 children living with food allergies – and the many others impacted by intolerances and other conditions. Placing a teal pumpkin on your doorstep signals that, in addition to candy, you offer non-food trinkets and treats that are safe for all those ghosts, goblins, and other scary creatures knocking on your door.

You can usually find small trinkets like these at a drug store or at the front of big box stores in the dollar section:

• Glow stick, bracelets, and necklaces
• Pencils, crayons, and markers
• Bubbles
• Halloween-themed erasers or pencil toppers
• Slinkies
• Bouncy balls
• Finger puppets
• Novelty toys
• Playing cards
• Fun bookmarks
• Stickers
• Stencils
• Whistles, kazoos, and noisemakers

All you need to do to participate is place a teal pumpkin at your doorstep as a signal that your house supports kids with food allergies. But there’s more you can do to help spread the word about the Teal Pumpkin Project:

• Add your house to the Teal Pumpkin Project Map so more trick or treaters can find you.
• Post a sign near your door or driveway.
• Share flyers with family, friends, and neighbors. 

The Teal Pumpkin Project has even more ideas, free resources, and tips to help families have a safe and fun time. And remember, if you do plan on handing out candy that is not food allergy friendly, be sure to keep the small toys in one bowl and the candy in a separate bowl. This will help prevent any cross-contact and keep trick-or-treaters safe. Happy Halloween!