Getting Started with the Teal Pumpkin Project
October is here, and that means pumpkins are popping up on porches everywhere, typically in their classic orange! But wait... have you ever noticed pumpkins that aren’t orange? Maybe you’ve spotted a teal pumpkin and wondered what it means. Well, you're in for a treat (and not the candy kind)!
Why Teal? A New Halloween Tradition
That teal pumpkin is more than just a fun decoration—it sends an important message. Teal represents food allergies, and placing a teal pumpkin outside your home signals to trick-or-treaters and their families that non-food treats are available for kids with food allergies or dietary restrictions. This initiative, started by Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), aims to raise awareness, educate, and promote inclusion for children with food allergies worldwide. It’s a simple yet impactful way to ensure every child can enjoy Halloween, even if they can't partake in the traditional candy.
Why It’s Important
Food allergies are on the rise in the U.S. According to the CDC, 1 in 13 children has a life-threatening food allergy. For some kids, even a tiny amount of allergens like peanuts, milk, or wheat can trigger a serious reaction. And with Halloween candies being a guessing game when it comes to ingredients (thanks to fun-size variations and unclear labels), it’s not just spooky—it can be extremely dangerous for families managing food allergies.
But it’s not just children with food allergies that benefit from this project. Non-food treats make Halloween fun for kids with conditions like:
Celiac Disease: Gluten-containing candy is a no-go.
Food Intolerances: Some kids react to dairy, soy, or even artificial dyes.
Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE): A chronic immune condition triggered by food.
Diabetes: Managing sugar intake is crucial.
Feeding Tubes: Many children rely on special feeding methods and can't consume typical Halloween treats.
Special Diets: From keto to vegan, some kids need to follow strict dietary guidelines that limit their candy choices.
This is where the Teal Pumpkin Project comes in! The project encourages families to offer non-food treats, creating a Halloween that's safe, inclusive, and fun for all kids.
How You Can Join the Teal Pumpkin Project
Step 1: Show Off Your Teal Pumpkin!
First things first—grab a teal pumpkin! You can paint a real pumpkin teal (a fun activity to do with the kids!) or purchase a reusable plastic one. Pressed for time? No problem—simply print out a teal pumpkin sign and display it in your yard! For extra visibility, register your home on FARE’s Teal Pumpkin Map, letting families in your area know you’re offering allergy-friendly treats. This map is a great resource for parents planning their trick-or-treating route, ensuring their child has a fun and inclusive Halloween experience.
Step 2: Offer Non-Food Treats
Now for the fun part—what to hand out instead of candy! You don’t have to spend a fortune to put smiles on kids' faces. Here are some awesome, budget-friendly ideas:
Glow Sticks
Bubbles
Bouncy Balls
Whistles
Coins
Vampire fangs
Playing cards
Stickers
Bookmarks
Bracelets
Necklaces
Pencils
Pens
Crayons
Pro tip: Avoid Play-Doh, as it contains wheat!
You can still give out candy if you want—just keep it separate from the non-food items to avoid cross-contamination.
Step 3: Spread the Word!
You’re doing something amazing, so let people know! Share the teal pumpkin love with your neighbors, friends, and even your kid’s school. Print flyers or share a pic of your teal pumpkin setup on social media with the hashtag #TealPumpkinProject. The more people who join, the more inclusive and safe Halloween can be for kids with food restrictions.
By participating, you’re not just handing out treats—you’re raising awareness and helping create a holiday that every child can safely enjoy. Now, that's something to celebrate!
Want more info or ready to join the movement? Check out FARE’s official website here!