Why Join the Teal Pumpkin Project? -

Why Join the Teal Pumpkin Project? Have you ever stopped and thought about how many kids have health conditions that prevent them from enjoying the so popular trick-or-treating events happening on Halloween? There are conditions such as eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases that make it almost impossible and dangerous for the little ones to go out and enjoy the night like everyone else. But there is a way we can all come together and include them in the fun night affairs.

Food Allergy Research & Education, FARE, has created a project called FARE’s Teal Pumpkin Project to promote an inclusive community. This project is happening worldwide to provide a safer & happier Halloween for all kids and adults.

How to Be Part of the Teal Pumpkin Project?

This year you can be of the project and make an addition to your regular treats. Besides or instead of candy baskets, you can pass out glow sticks or small toys. This little action has a significant effect that promotes inclusion for trick-or-treaters with food allergies or other conditions.

Include non-food treats for trick-or-treaters
Place a teal pumpkin in front of your home so people can know you have non-food treats
Be sure to list your home on the Teal Pumpkin Project map
Share the Teal Pumpkin Project with friends and family

Non-Food Treats Ideas

Non-food treats ideas can be found in a quick trip to a dollar store, a party supply store, or in online shops. These very low-cost items can be passed out to all trick-or-treaters or if you choose to have both, place them in a separate bowl away from candy treats.

Possible Treats

Glow sticks, bracelets, or necklaces
Pencils, pens, crayons or markers
Bubbles
Halloween erasers or pencil toppers
Mini Slinkies
Whistles, kazoos, or noisemakers
Bouncy balls
Finger puppets or novelty toys
Coins
Spider rings
Vampire fangs
Mini notepads
Playing cards
Bookmarks
Stickers
Stencils

Non-Food Treats to Avoid

Not all non-food treats are safe from allergens, so if you want to be extra mindful be sure to purchase latex-free items since latex is a significant allergen. Avoid buying things such as clay that may be made with ingredients like wheat that is also a potential allergen.

Candy and non-food treats?

YES!! You can still pass out candy, as long as you do it safely! Be careful to keep all non-food items separated from food treats.

How To Determine Which Treat To Give To Each Trick-Or-Treater?

The FARE website has made it super easy for you. They created a sign that you can print out and place next to both bowls with treats. Make sure you direct their attention to it so the kids know they can choose. You can find the sign here: https://www.foodallergy.org/sites/default/files/2017-08/TPP-You-Pick-Sign-PDF.pdf You can also ask if anyone has food allergies.

Kids Will Love Them!

Why Join the Teal Pumpkin Project? A kid will not just like non-food treats; they will love them! It is a surprise for them to be given toys, pencils and other fun stuff. Your home will stand out because of the cool and unusual treats Glow sticks are low cost, and kids love to play with them and show off the glowing stick throughout the night. Parents will be thankful since it will make their kids more visible as they conquer every block in the neighborhood. Things like pencils and erasers can be used at home of school long after the candy is done with. It is a win-win situation.