Excitement is in the air these days as kids are finalizing costumes, mapping out the best trick-or-tricking routes and planning party ideas for the big night – Halloween.
For most families, Halloween is a magical evening of fun, spookiness and CANDY. But for families managing food allergies, Halloween can be a tricky holiday as many common Halloween treats aren’t safe for children with life-threatening food allergies and oftentimes these kids aren’t able to experience the tradition of trick-or-treating.
The Teal Pumpkin Project
This Halloween season consider participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project, which helps make sure all children will come home on Halloween night with something they can enjoy.
The Teal Pumpkin Project was inspired by a local awareness activity run by the Food Allergy Community of East Tennessee (FACET) and launched as a national campaign by Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) in 2014. Last year, households from all 50 states and 14 countries participated.
It takes three easy steps to participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project:
1. Provide non-food treats, such as glow sticks, bubbles or small toys for trick-or-treaters. Many of these inexpensive items are available at dollar stores, online or party supply stores.
2. Paint a pumpkin teal and place it in front of your home to indicate to trick-or-treaters that you have non-food treats available.
3. Display information to explain the meaning of the teal pumpkin.
If you still want to hand out candy, as well as non-food treats, make sure to have the traditional Halloween pumpkin placed next to your teal pumpkin at your front door.
To find a doctor or schedule an appointment visit Steward DoctorFinder™ or call 1-800-488-5959.
*Source: Food Allergy Research & Education, www.foodallergy.org
To find a doctor or schedule an appointment, visit Steward DoctorFinder™.
