I have been sensitive to those with food allergies since we moved into the neighborhood. My typical approach has been to have both non-peanut candies and peanut candies to pass out to ghouls and goblins that knock on the door. This year, I am joining the Teal Pumpkin movement. I’m inspired to do this for a couple of reasons. One, toys last a bit longer than candy. Secondly, not every child can enjoy candy whether it’s a food allergy or a lifestyle preference of a parent.
Let’s face it, it’s fun to dress up for Halloween, but not much fun if you trick or treat and have to toss your loot when you get home due to a food allergy. That’s where the Teal Pumpkin Project comes in. It is a wonderful movement started by FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) that encourages the giving away of small nonfood trinkets.
I first heard about the project last year when I was blogging for a certified nutritionist. It’s been around for a couple of years and it looks to be catching on more commercially now. I spotted many reasonably priced toys in the Halloween section of Target this year. Their options were impressive, from cups of slime to monster themed erasers. I scooped up small containers of bubbles to give out this year. I may still pass out some candy, but rest assured if I do, it will be nut free.
If you would like to get involved, simply place a teal pumpkin or two outside your door to let all the ghouls and goblins know you are passing out allergy friendly treats. You can turn this into a family affair by having your kids paint plastic pumpkins in shades of teal and decorate however, they wish to. Use the pumpkins again next year as the project grows with more and more families supporting the project.
I love this idea! 🙂