The Teal Pumpkin Project is an undertaking carried out by the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) to raise food-allergy awareness during annual Halloween Trick or Treat activities. As it is, children with certain reactions, dietary restriction and aversions to food are discouraged from participating in the annual event as certain treats may contain ingredients or substances to which they are allergic or have to observe medical dietary restrictions.

Inspired by the local awareness activity of the Food Allergy Community of East Tennessee, FARE joined other food-allergy awareness organizations such as the American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APED). Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team (FAACT) Food Allergy Fund (FAF) and Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES), in spreading food-allergy awareness that aims to include as well as keep safe, children with food allergies and special diets in the yearly trick-or-treat events.

Supporting the Teal Pumpkin Project Campaign

To show support for the campaign, households are to put a teal pumpkin on their doorstep to indicate that non-food treats are available to children with food allergies and other dietary restrictions. In addition, they can have their homes added to FARE’s Teal Pumpkin Project Map.

FARE further suggests segregating food treats from non-food treats by plaing them in separate baskets; making it easier for children to make and take their pick

FARE recommends non-toxic, non-food items like bubbles, glow sticks, crayons, erasers, finger puppets, kazoos, glow bracelets, glow necklaces, noisemakers, notepads, markers, mini slinkies, pencils, pencil toppers, pens, pencils, vampire fangs and other similar novelty toys.

In keeping the trick or treat experience safe, families of children with food allergy problems and medical restrictions, will have peace of mind when letting their children participate in annual Halloween activities.