The Northeast Georgia Food Allergy Support Group hopes to help children with food allergies find safe Halloween treats by promoting the Teal Pumpkin Project in local communities this year.
The Teal Pumpkin Project is a nationwide movement to raise awareness of food allergies and promote the inclusion of all children on Halloween. It offers alternatives for children with food allergies and for those who do not eat candy by using a teal pumpkin, which is the color of food allergy awareness, to alert children with these restrictions of the non-food treats available.
Want to participate? Take the following steps to help these children:
1. Provide non-food treats for trick-or-treaters;
2. Place a teal pumpkin in front of your home to indicate you have non-food treats available;
3. Add your home to the Teal Pumpkin Project map; and
4. Spread the word by sharing the Teal Pumpkin Project with friends and family.
“Halloween can be a tricky time for families managing food allergies,” Northeast Georgia Food Allergy Support Group Founder Jennifer Addington said. “Many traditional Halloween treats aren’t safe for children with life-threatening food allergies. The Teal Pumpkin Project promotes safety, inclusion and respect of individuals managing food allergies.”
Addington stressed that eliminating candy as an option for every child is not the goal of the project, but rather that the goal is to ensure children with food allergies can be included in the treat-filled holiday. She suggests asking trick-or-treaters if they have food allergies and allowing them the choice of candy or a non-food item.
She also explained that children often enjoy non-food treats.
“They don’t just like them, they love them,” she said. “Finding a unique treat at your house will be a fun surprise. Glow bracelets, for example, are a great option. They are inexpensive, kids can wear them throughout the night, and parents are appreciative because they help make kids more visible after nightfall. Other non-food items, such as pencils and stickers, can be used at home and at school long after candy has run out or expired.”
The Teal Pumpkin Project map can be located at https://www.foodallergy.org/education-awareness/teal-pumpkin-project/map.
“This worldwide movement offers an alternative for kids with food allergies, as well as other children for whom candy is not an option,” Addington said. “It keeps Halloween a fun, positive experience for all!”