By: Chelsea Beimfohr
Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) launched its second annual Teal Pumpkin Project™ campaign. The mission: to raise awareness of all food allergies and promote inclusion of all trick-or-treaters throughout the Halloween season. But why teal? FARE uses this color to promote food allergy awareness.
This nationwide movement offers an alternative for kids with food allergies. Teal pumpkins signify that households have non-food items for trick-or-treaters. Non-food treats also provide alternatives for children with diabetes, celiac disease, or those for whom candy may present a problem.
Food allergies are a growing public health issue. In the U.S., 1 in 13 children has a food allergy. Many popular Halloween candies contain nuts, milk, egg, soy or wheat– which are some of the most common allergens in children.
“We participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project so my daughter Abigail, can be included, safe and experience the normal traditions of Halloween. As my daughter gets older, and will not be trick or treating, we will still have our Teal Pumpkins and sign up on our door to let others know we have non-food treats available to those children that have food allergies,” said Jennifer Addington, co-founder of the Northeast Georgia Allergy Support Group.
But what if you don’t have time to host a fundraiser or paint a pumpkin teal? You can still participate in the campaign by printing out a free sign and hanging it on your door.
Last year households from 50 states and 7 countries participated in the Teal Pumpkin Project™. This year FARE’s goal is to have 100,000 people sign their pledge.
For questions about the Teal Pumpkin Project™, contact Anna Luke at aluke@foodallergy.org.
