Pump Up the Inclusion this Halloween
Children of all ages anticipate the thrill of Halloween night— there’s a palpable joy that lives in the chill of fresh, autumn air as gleeful giggles bounce house-to-house. But for children with food allergies, sensitivities, or intolerances, full participation in Halloween festivities can be tricky.
Enter: The Teal Pumpkin Project.
Rooted in Tennessee, the project began as a localized effort to raise food allergy awareness and promote inclusion. Today, teal pumpkins adorn porches nationwide. Each teal pumpkin signifies that there are non-food options available to the estimated 1 in 13 trick-or-treaters who may need them.
In place of traditional candy, we can treat children with food allergies to kid-friendly favorites such as glow sticks, temporary tattoos, pencils, light-up rings, or slap bracelets. While these simple toys may seem small, their impact, according to Mariemont mom Christie Motz, is immeasurable.
“As a parent of multiple children with multiple food allergies, it can be terrifying to know that you are sending your child out— especially an 8-year-old who is begging for more independence— into a situation that could potentially be life-threatening.”
By supporting The Teal Pumpkin Project, we show solidarity with fellow parents and caregivers, helping to ease their fears surrounding food allergens and communicating that we care.
Ready to join the movement? It’s simple. Purchase a teal pumpkin from a retailer such as Michaels or Target or get crafty with a DIY painted pumpkin. (Bonus: This can double as a seasonal craft for little artists). We can further engage our children and continue to spread awareness with age-appropriate activities and discussions.
For very young children, check out Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood for an episode about Daniel’s allergy to peaches. (This song from the show covers the topic very simply). Local libraries may carry picture books like Nutley the Nut-Free Squirrel or The Bugabees: Friends with Food Allergies, which can precede discussions about not sharing food with friends without a parent present. Many school-age children may benefit from the same reminder, as it can be tempting to swap snacks during lunchtime. By educating our children— and helping those with allergies feel seen— we do our part to create a kinder, more inclusive world.
All children deserve to experience Halloween festivities safely. This Halloween, save the scares for the skellies and spooks—join Hunny in participating in The Teal Pumpkin project.
We’d love your help in spreading the word— share this graphic on social media to raise awareness and encourage friends to participate. Together, we can make an impact.
For more information about The Teal Pumpkin Project, click here or get started by shopping the links below:
Teal Pumpkins
Non-Food Treat Ideas
Books
Nutley, the Nut-Free Squirrel by Stephanie Sorkin
The Bugabees: Friends with Food Allergies by Amy Recob
Written By Stephanie McGuffey