Halloween is just around the corner and the Teal Pumpkin Project wants to make trick-or-treating more inclusive for kids with food allergies! The Teal Pumpkin Project started in 2013 when a Tennessee mom wanted her son with food allergies to enjoy the holiday too and it's not backed by the nonprofit FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education).
The movement encourages households to offer non-food goodies like stickers and glow sticks instead of candy. Millions of kids are affected by food allergies and the teal pumpkins signal that it’s safe for them and non-food treats are available!
HOW TO JOIN:
If you are interested in participating all you have to do is add a teal pumpkin (bought or painted) to your porch and provide non food goodies! Be sure to keep the non-food options in a separate bowl so there is no cross-contamination. You can also add your address to the Teal Pumpkin Project Map so families with allergies can find you easier.
NON-FOOD IDEAS:
- 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
- Spider rings
- Vampire fangs
- Mini notepads
- Playing cards
- Bookmarks
- Stickers
- Stencils
LOOKING FOR PARTICIPATING HOUSES? Check out the interactive TEAL PUMPKIN PROJECT MAP!