When our eldest child, Lucy, was diagnosed with gluten sensitivity at the age of seven, we faced a steep learning curve. Adapting to her dietary needs was challenging, but over the last decade, awareness surrounding food allergies has significantly improved, making it easier for families like ours.
While gluten sensitivity isn’t as immediately dangerous as peanut allergies or other severe food intolerances, it has fostered a sense of empathy in me for parents who must constantly monitor their children’s diets. Discovering that your child has dietary restrictions can create a ripple effect in daily life. Quick stops for fast food during road trips become complicated, and snacks at kids’ events can be unpredictable. Even the simplest outings require foresight and planning.
Our first Halloween with Lucy was particularly eye-opening when it became evident that her beloved Kit-Kats were off-limits. Every year, we find ourselves researching which candy bars contain gluten, and post-trick-or-treating, we sort through her stash to swap out inedible items. For us, this process is more of a nuisance. However, for a child with a peanut allergy, a single PayDay bar mixed in could lead to a serious health emergency. For many, trick-or-treating can be a real threat.
This is where the Teal Pumpkin Project, initiated by FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education) in 2014, comes into play. The concept is straightforward: offer non-food alternatives to Halloween candy, signaling to families with dietary restrictions that they are welcome by placing a teal pumpkin on your doorstep.
These non-food treats allow children who follow special diets to partake in the Halloween festivities without feeling excluded. The teal pumpkin serves as a visible reminder that you’re aware of the challenges faced by these kids and are willing to make accommodations.
Many might not realize just how prevalent food allergies are; nearly 6 million children, or around 8% of kids in the U.S., suffer from them. Everyone knows someone with a child who has food restrictions, and while it’s easy to dismiss some intolerances as overblown, many kids endure real, serious reactions to foods that others consume without issue.
Children may also require special diets for various medical reasons. If a child needs to avoid sugar or dairy, they too should be able to enjoy the excitement of trick-or-treating. Contrary to popular belief, many kids appreciate non-candy treats, especially those who cannot indulge in typical sweets. Some great ideas for non-food goodies include:
- Glow bracelets
- Bubbles
- Stickers
- Fun pencils or pens
- Erasers
- Temporary tattoos
- Bouncy balls
- Kazoos
- Yo-yos
- Whistles
- Mini flashlights
- Bookmarks
- Slap bracelets
- Stamps
- Cookie cutters
- Noisemakers (sorry, parents!)
- Mini-crafts
- Carabiners
If you prefer, you can still offer candy alongside non-food items, just be sure to separate them into distinct bowls.
To participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project, you can either paint a pumpkin yourself or purchase a pre-made one. Many retail stores, including Target and craft shops, sell teal pumpkins that you can reuse each year. Additionally, share your participation on the map at foodallergy.org so local families know they can count on your home for allergy-friendly treats. If your child requires non-food options, use the map to find teal pumpkins in your community.
Let’s work together to ensure that all children, especially those dealing with life-altering food allergies, feel included in the Halloween festivities.
For more insights on inclusive parenting, check out our other blog posts like this one on at-home insemination kits and discover various resources that can help, such as this excellent guide on what to expect during your first IUI.
Summary: This article encourages the display of teal pumpkins during Halloween to promote inclusivity for children with food allergies. The Teal Pumpkin Project, initiated by FARE, urges families to offer non-food treats, allowing kids with dietary restrictions to participate without feeling excluded. The article also highlights the prevalence of food allergies and suggests various non-candy alternatives that can be offered to trick-or-treaters.
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