We can all agree that every child should have an opportunity to enjoy the fun of trick-or-treating, right? Yet every year a large population of children is left out.
Kids who suffer from food allergies can’t enjoy some of the Halloween favorites, such as peanut butter cups or chocolate.
For parents of kids with food allergies, Halloween is a whole lot scarier than a few ghosts, witches and goblins roaming the streets.
There’s the worry that trick-or-treating will be met with cries of despair out of the candy that they have to say no to. There’s concern that their child will feel saddened that their friends get to go trick or treating, but they cannot.
Then, there’s the all-too-real fright that their child could accidentally ingest something they are allergic to and experience a very serious reaction. Suddenly, what should be a fun holiday turns into a trip to the emergency room.
Introducing the Teal Pumpkin Project
This year, Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) is starting a fun new tradition – teal pumpkins!
What does that have to do with food allergies? A lot.
To include children with food allergies this year, try offering a non-food treat. Then paint your pumpkin teal and place it proudly on your porch.
With a teal pumpkin placed outside your door, children with food allergies know that you offer something other than nuts and dairy. They know your house is safe from the real worry of health risks and temptation.
If you don’t have time to (or don’t want to) paint your pumpkins teal, there’s another way to show your support for children with food allergies – with a poster. Download your free posters from FARE and place it proudly on your door.
Need a few ideas for treats that you can hand out this year? FARE has pulled together quite a few including:
- Crayons
- Glow sticks
- Bubbles
- Fun shaped pens or erasers
- Slinkies
- Whistles
- Bouncy balls
- Playing cards
- Games
- Halloween accessories, such as vampire fangs or spider rings
- Stickers
- Stencils
- Finger puppets
The list could go on and on. This year, instead of breaking the bank on candy, pass out something a little less caloric and a lot more fun.
Did you find this interesting? Share it with others on Facebook and spread the word about the new Teal Pumpkin tradition!
