Friday, October 24, 2014

Teal Pumpkin Project embraces kids with food allergies on Halloween


If you see teal pumpkins this Halloween, it’s not just a new fad in decorating, it’s a signal to parents and children with food allergies that the home with the pumpkin is food allergy friendly. Normally, finding treats that won’t cause allergic reactions can be tricky. 
 
This new tradition is thanks to the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), which is focusing on inclusion and safety.

The Teal Pumpkin Project asks people to paint a pumpkin teal, the color of food allergy awareness, to indicate that their home is safe for trick-or-treaters with food allergies and offering non-food treats such as small toys.

Ideas range from glow sticks and bubbles to mini notepads and spider rings. “Available at dollar stores, party supply stores, or online shops, these low-cost items can be purchased and handed out to all trick-or-treaters, or made available in a separate bowl from candy if you choose to hand out both options. Nearly all of these items can be found in a Halloween theme or festive colors,” FAME said.

According to FARE, food allergies affect one in every 13 children or roughly two in every classroom. That's a lot of kids who might feel left out of the festivities. If you would like to participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project this Halloween, visit www.foodallergy.org.

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