Have you ever heard of the Teal Pumpkin Project? Ever seen a kiddo walking around on Halloween with a teal pumpkin but wasn’t sure why?
The Teal Pumpkin Project is a simple way to make Halloween, Fall Festivals, and Trunk-or-Treats inclusive for the 1 in 13 kids who live with food allergies or intolerances. It simply means you have non-food items, possibly as well as candy, for those who can’t enjoy the candy. It’s also a way to love your neighbor and give the parents of kids with allergies the opportunity to say YES! instead of NO!
What does one give instead of candy? The answer is really… anything! You can find these things in bulk or on sale (pro-tip: pick them up after season to save for the next year. Another perk of non-food items!). Many times, these items are cheaper than candy. This year, I spent less than $20.00 and have enough non-food items for class parties AND my crazy neighborhood trick-or-treat!
How do I participate?
Simply place a teal pumpkin outside your home and have non-food treats! Consider adding your address to https://www.foodallergy.org/, where families with allergies can find an interactive map to houses with Teal Pumpkins. It’s that easy! And don’t forget to be on the lookout for those trick-or-treaters with teal pumpkins!
Ideas for non-food items
- Stickers
- Glow sticks
- Whistles, flutes, or mini tambourines
- Fangs
- Bubbles
- Rubber bracelets
- Slap bracelets
- Bouncy Balls
- Stencils
- Halloween pencils and/or erasers
