Wondering how you can support children with special dietary needs at Halloween? Participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project!
The Teal Pumpkin Project is a simple way to make trick-or-treating safer and more inclusive for children living with food allergies, and many others impacted by intolerances and other conditions. Placing a teal pumpkin or a teal pumpkin sign on your doorstep signals to trick-or-treaters and their families that you offer non-food trinkets and treats that are safe for all trick or treaters (in addition to candy, or whatever else you normally offer).
The Teal Pumpkin Project was inspired by a local awareness activity run by the Food Allergy Community of East Tennessee (FACET). FACET has an ongoing partnership with the Food Allergy Research & Education organization, FARE. Together, they work to reach families across the country and around the world with the Teal Pumpkin Project’s messages of awareness, inclusion, and community.
You can find FREE printable Teal Pumpkin signs and flyers on the Food Allergy Research & Education website HERE. You can also add your house to the map on their website.
What can you offer Trick-or-Treaters that isn't candy or food?
Quite a lot, actually! Low-cost items can be purchased at dollar stores, party supply stores, or online shops. These are perfect to be handed out to all trick-or-treaters, or made available in a separate bowl from candy if you choose to hand out both options. Nearly all of these items can be found in a Halloween theme or festive colors.
Examples of affordable non-food Halloween 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
More Teal Pumpkin Project Resources:
Teal Pumpkin Project Facebook Page, managed by Food Allergy Research & Education.
"What Does a Teal Pumpkin Mean on Halloween?", article by Good Housekeeping.
"How a Teal Pumpkin Can Save a Child's Life This Halloween", article by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
"Teal Pumpkin Project: A Healthier Way to Celebrate Halloween", article by Brain BalanceCenters.Com
Visit Target's Teal Pumpkin Project page for low-cost non-food Halloween items.
The Teal Pumpkin page on Amazon has a collection of yard signs and teal plastic pumpkins to signal you're an allergy-friendly trick-or-treat stop.
Happy Homeschooling & Happy Teal Pumpkin Halloween, Everyone! :)