Have you ever heard of the teal pumpkin project? It is a great way to support food allergies. FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education) launched the Teal Pumpkin Project in 2014. They wanted to promote healthy alternatives for those who have food allergies or cannot have candy for other reasons, with most common candies and foods that are passed out during Halloween.
On the FARE website, you can obtain more information on the Teal Pumpkin Project and how you can take part to help make a difference. You can also find events in your area, and even homes near you who will be participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project this year and the years following.
Here are five great ways to help you take part in the Teal Pumpkin Project:
Print out these fun coloring pages (here & here) or other signs to hang in your window or outside your home.
You can hang up any sign on your door and window you would like. These fun and interacting coloring pages I have created can help you get your children involved to help them become aware of the project you are taking part of. You can also purchase outdoor signs such as this to place by the sidewalk to let trick-or-treaters who take part in the Teal Pumpkin Project will be able to come knock on your door.
Purchase of a painted teal pumpkin.
You can purchase a teal pumpkin at any local store that you can find. If you are unable to purchase a plastic or real pumpkin that is already teal, this would be a great opportunity to spend some time carving and painting pumpkins with your children. Afterwards, you can place them outside your home to show that you’ll be handing out not only candy but non-food options such as these or these!
Use teal colored totes or buckets.
By using a teal colored bucket or tote, this will help others recognize that you are a part of the Teal Pumpkin Project so they will not offer your children candy. Instead, they will either apologize or if they are a participant in the program, they will gladly hand out a safer alternative to your children. You can purchase these totes at your local stores such as Target or Walmart, or online here.
Tell your neighbors/friends about the Teal Pumpkin Project
By helping spread the word about the Teal Pumpkin Project, you’re helping more and more children who cannot have candy due to food allergies or other reasons, a chance to have a fun and positive experience during Halloween. There are many flyers you can pass out on the FARE website, as well as sharing on social media can make a huge difference in the community.
