Halloween is an exciting time for kids to dress up as their favorite characters and trick-or-treat from house to house with friends. But if your child has food allergies, you know that Halloween can also be challenging. It’s hard to tell your child that they can’t have the treats they spent their time collecting. You want them to be able to participate just like everyone else – and thanks to the Teal Pumpkin Project, they can.
The Teal Pumpkin Project not only raises awareness of food allergies, but promotes inclusion by providing safe, non-food treats to children with allergies. Teal is the color of food allergy awareness. Families who participate paint a pumpkin teal and place it outside of their home along with a sign making treat-or-treaters and their parents aware of this option. When children come trick-or-treating, if they have a food allergy they know that there are non-food treats available for them at these homes. Treats could include:
Approximately one out of every 13 children in the United States has a food allergy. When candy is not in its original bag, it can be difficult to tell the specific ingredients and whether or not it is safe given a particular allergy. Also, children with food intolerances, feeding tubes, Celiac disease, and special diets may be limited in what they can eat. By participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project, you are showing these children that you care and that they can be included in fun activities just like their peers – without having to worry about whether what they receive is safe for them to have, or having to give it away.
Start a trend in your neighborhood and raise awareness of food allergies by participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project this Halloween! In addition, PediaPlex will be hosting a free Trick-or-Treat Halloween Event on October 27th from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and will have allergy-approved and gluten-free snacks and treats available! We hope to see you there!
Share your experiences with the Teal Pumpkin Project with us on Facebook or in the comments!
