Editor’s note: This article was submitted by Hillary Blevins.
This Halloween, teal is the new orange! The Teal Pumpkin Project encourages people to become aware of food allergies and promotes inclusion of all trick-or-treaters throughout the Halloween season. Participating is as simple as
- offering non-food treats to avoid possible health problems for children
- painting your pumpkin teal–the color of food allergy awareness–to indicate a “safe treat house”
- downloading door signs–to alert children and their chaperones–at http://www.foodallergy.org/teal-pumpkin-project/download.
Why is this an issue?
In the U. S., one 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 and adults. You may not know if a food treat is safe to distribute to some children.
Non-food treats are a safe, fun alternative for children with food allergies and other conditions, for whom candy may present a problem. Glow bracelets, spider rings, bookmarks, pencils, or stickers are fun ideas. Try to choose latex-free items, as there are children who have latex allergies.
You can still offer candy.
- Keep the experience safe by putting your food treats and non-food treats in separate bowls.
- Ask trick-or-treaters (or their accompanying adult) if they have any food allergies.
- Give every visitor a choice of which treat they’d like: candy or a non-food item.
- Many youngsters know they cannot ingest certain foods, chocolate for example. If that is the only treat you offer, it can be disappointing.
For more information, visit http://www.foodallergy.org/teal-pumpkin-project.