With halloween coming around, did you guys know what a teal pumpkin signifies? Trick-or-treating has long been a part of the Halloween festivities, but in recent years it’s gotten more complicated for kids with food allergies, since most candy is off limits.
FARE’s Teal Pumpkin Project is an effort to make sure all children will come home on Halloween night with something they can enjoy. The project implements one simple act: offering non-food treats, such as glow sticks or small toys, as an alternative to candy.
In 2015, households from all 50 states and 14 countries participated. The Teal Pumpkin Project is a worldwide movement to create a safer, happier Halloween for all trick-or-treaters.
According to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), approximately 15 million Americans suffer from food allergies. Food allergies affects 1 in every 13 children (under 18 years of age) in the U.S. That’s roughly two in every classroom. Between 1997 and 2011, there was a 50% increase in food allergies.
Every 3 minutes, a food allergy reaction sends someone to the emergency department – that’s roughly more than 200,000 emergency department visits per year…
According to foodallergy.org, here’s how you can take part in the movement:
- 1. Prepare non-food treats for trick-or-treaters with food allergies.
- 2. Place a teal pumpkin in front of your home to indicate to passersby that you have non-food treats available.
- 3. Display a free printable sign or premium poster from FARE to explain the meaning of your teal pumpkin.
“The Teal Pumpkin Project promotes safety, inclusion, and respect for all those managing food allergies,” said FARE Director of Communications Nancy Gregory. This way, Halloween can be fun for all.
A beautiful idea to include everyone in on the Halloween festivities. The food allergy organization is truly amazing since in just two years, they were able to spread awareness in all 50 states.
After reading this, don’t forget to join the teal pumpkin project and support kids with food allergies!
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
