The information below on the Teal Pumpkin Project is provided by the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE). The Project asks homes on Halloween to distribute non-food treats, in addition to or instead of food treats, on Halloween, to accommodate children who have food allergies. Participating homes would signify their involvement by displaying a teal pumpkin that’s visible to trick-or-treaters and their families.
Launched as a national campaign by Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) in 2014, the Teal Pumpkin Project™ raises awareness of food allergies and promotes inclusion of all trick-or-treaters throughout the Halloween season.
Food allergies are a life-altering and potentially life-threatening disease, and a growing public health issue. In the U.S., one in 13 children has a food allergy – that’s roughly two in every classroom. For these children, even a tiny amount of their allergen has the potential to cause a severe reaction.
Virtually any food can cause a reaction. Many popular Halloween candies contain nuts, milk, egg, soy or wheat, which are some of the most common allergens in children and adults. Additionally, many miniature or fun-size versions of candy items contain different ingredients than their full-size counterparts and some miniature candy items may not have labels, so it is difficult for parents to determine whether these items are safe for their child with food allergies.
Non-food treats provide a safe, fun alternative for children with food allergies and for other children, such as those with diabetes or celiac disease, for whom candy may present a problem.
Here’s Wilmington Apple’s Question of the Day for October 28: Will you provide non-candy Halloween treats to kids with food allergies?
Let Wilmington know your thoughts via the Wilmington Apple Facebook page, via the Wilmington Apple Twitter page, in the comments section below, or via email at wilmingtonapple@gmail.com. Responses may be included in a future article.
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