Chicago City Wire

Halloween can be a frightening time for the 1 in 13 children who have food allergies. However, there is a way to make this holiday safer and more inclusive for everyone. The Teal Pumpkin Project aims to raise awareness about food allergies and offers non-food treats to trick-or-treaters.

By placing a teal pumpkin on your doorstep, you let children and their parents know that you have non-food trinkets and toys available. This small gesture can make a big difference in the lives of children with food allergies. As the Food Allergy Research & Education website states, "The Teal Pumpkin Project is a simple way to make trick-or-treating safer and more inclusive."

To participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project, you can purchase teal pumpkins from various stores that sell Halloween decorations. You can also find them online. Additionally, the website offers free resources to help spread the word about your participation in the project. Flyers are available to hand out to neighbors, businesses, schools, and friends.

If you choose to provide both candy and non-food treats, it is recommended to place them in separate bowls. There are many low-cost items that can be given to trick-or-treaters. These items can be found in Halloween themes or festive colors. Some examples include glow sticks, pencils, bubbles, finger puppets, and stickers, among others.

For those with food allergies, the Teal Pumpkin Project website also provides allergy-safe tips for trick-or-treating. These tips include approaching Halloween with caution and diligently reading labels to ensure the safety of those with food allergies.

To find more information about the Teal Pumpkin Project, including fall recipes, candy facts, the Teal Pumpkin Shop, and the Teal Pumpkin Project Map, visit the Food Allergy Research & Education website at https://www.foodallergy.org/our-initiatives/awareness-campaigns/living-teal/teal-pumpkin-project.

In conclusion, by participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project, you can support children with food allergies and make Halloween a safer and more inclusive holiday for all trick-or-treaters. As one spokesperson for the project said, "Placing a teal pumpkin on your doorstep signals that, in addition to candy, you offer non-food trinkets and treats that are safe for all trick-or-treaters." Let's come together to create a Halloween that everyone can enjoy.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://repstephens.com/2023/10/19/support-kids-with-food-allergies-this-halloween-join-the-teal-pumpkin-project/