The Teal Pumpkin Phenomenon Recently, teal pumpkins have been popping up around neighborhoods that are notorious trick-or-treating spots. While these teal pumpkins are unique and eye catching, they also have a secret meaning. A meaning that could help save your child’s life. Food allergies are a struggle that many families have to endure on a daily basis. It is predicted that at least 1 in 13 children have a type of food allergy in the United States alone. The allergies range from slight intolerances to severe allergic reactions. It is vital around the holidays that families feel safe while letting their children trick-or-treat. It’s no fun when parents have to go through Halloween goodies and pull out over half the candy because of an allergy, …show more content…
Teal pumpkins on a porch indicate that the household you are approaching provides allergy friendly alternatives to the traditional treats that you receive on Halloween. Why teal? Teal is the color that represents food allergy awareness. The teal pumpkin phenomenon was started by the Food and Allergy Research and Education agency. The intent of the teal pumpkins to help raise awareness of food allergies and provide children with safer alternatives. Houses that present a teal pumpkin show that they are safe to approach for children that suffer from food allergies or that have disabilities that make consuming candy a chore. It allows children to feel included and allows them to have a positive Halloween experience. The whole project was created to provide protection for children, teach acceptance, and to create more positive experiences for families. What Do I Do If I Want to Participate? Participation is simple. All you have to do is paint a pumpkin teal and place it out before Halloween. However, if you are going to participate, please make sure that you have nonfood treats and also don’t have allergens such as gluten in them. There are types of playdoh that have ingredients that make up gluten. In addition, many children also have latex allergies, while not a food allergy, can still be an issue if you are giving out toys. Fun ideas of nonfood treats