You May See Teal Pumpkins on Your Neighbors' Porches This Halloween
Not all children can enjoy the spoils of trick-or-treating care-free.
For children with food allergies, restrictions or sensitivities, Halloween may mean lots of frustration and disappointment. For the parents of children with food allergies it can be a stressful time where they’re forced to deny their children treat after treat to protect them.
That’s why the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) launched a national campaign in 2014 called the Teal Pumpkin Project. The Teal Pumpkin Project raises awareness of food allergies and promotes inclusion of all trick-or-treaters throughout the Halloween season by asking participants to offer fun, non-food alternatives for children with food allergies.
Researchers estimate that up to 15 million Americans have food allergies, which translates to 1 in every 13 children, according to FARE. Reactions from food allergies can range from something as mild as an itchy mouth to something as serious and potentially deadly as anaphylaxis, where blood circulation and breathing are restricted.
Will you be participating in the #TealPumpkinProject for kids with food allergies? http://t.co/VzQPudaqy6 #Halloween pic.twitter.com/jiQLjrJQ4f
— Metro Parent (@MetroParent) October 29, 2014
To take part in the initiative, sign the online pledge and paint your holiday pumpkin teal. This indicates to others that you offer allergen-friendly, non-edible treats at your home, such as stickers and small toys.
Candy & non-food treats ready! #TealPumpkinProject http://t.co/MbQEsE5sSi pic.twitter.com/9BVLAbhpHQ
— Angela Marti (@AngelaMarti9) October 29, 2014
The Teal Pumpkin Project hopes to reach 100,000 participating households in this Halloween.
Check out some photos below from the hashtag #TealPumpkinProject.
What we can learn from the #TealPumpkinProject‘s successful #awareness campaign? @inc shares: http://bit.ly1zPoX5J pic.twitter.com/fbQ914G3Dd
— Doukas Media (@DoukasMedia) October 31, 2014
Our house is officially a #TealPumpkinProject #house this #Halloween! Stop in for non-food treats! #trickortreat pic.twitter.com/fgcpkECcms
— Jacoby Cole (@IrondadTri) October 31, 2014
Don’t forget your teal #pumpkin in support of #kids with food allergies this #Halloween! #TealPumpkinProject pic.twitter.com/ZhIahx94NU
— sophie uliano (@sophieuliano) October 30, 2014
#TealPumpkinProject pic.twitter.com/LUGhPKVmuw
— Caitlin B (@MHCfirstclass) October 31, 2014
Teal is the new orange for #Halloween pumpkins #TealPumpkinProject http://t.co/5pjhztUxOA pic.twitter.com/ieegGkiKLq
— Courier-Post (@cpsj) October 6, 2015
Why you may be seeing lots of teal pumpkins this Halloween. http://t.co/aPyotDaWHp #tealpumpkinproject pic.twitter.com/LfIr1XCIxp
— Mashable (@mashable) October 3, 2015
We support the Teal Pumpkin Project #TealPumpkinProject pic.twitter.com/NpFbyN5yJB
— Caitlin Moeller (@moellercaitlin) November 2, 2014
I’m so glad I decided to participate in the #TealPumpkinProject for kids with allergies. Anybody else doing this too? pic.twitter.com/IdNL7HQk0G
— Dawn Lopez (@dawnchats) October 31, 2014
For more resources, see how Celiac Disease Foundation joined with Teal Pumpkin Project to raise awareness of celiac disease and food allergies.
h/t Mom.me
Melissa McGlensey is the former News Editor at The Mighty. Her writing can also be seen in Ms. Magazine, on the Ms.Magazine blog and in The Huffington Post’s Good News, Comedy and Impact sections. Melissa is also a New York City comedian who does sketch, improv and stand up. She is passionate about social justice, politics, Thai food, literature, disability rights and more. She is currently in a long-distance relationship with her cat, Sneakers, who lives in California. You can follow her on twitter at @OhHeyMeliss.
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