To a child with food allergies, a teal pumpkin is a symbol of inclusion, empathy and of course fun!
When a community comes together to accommodate a child’s food allergies, it helps an entire family feel included. For an Allergy Mom, a teal pumpkin brings a sigh of relief that our kidlet can participate in the thrill of the trick or treat, if even for only a few houses.
Most social events have some element of food intertwined within their expectations, with Halloween being no exception. And just to be clear, it is not expected for a teal pumpkin house to only offer non-food items. It is more an empathetic gesture, that will warm the heart of a little allergy girl and brighten her night.
History of the Teal Pumpkin Project®
In the fall of 2012, traditional Halloween activities were ramping up in Eastern Tennessee. This is where Becky Basalone, a fellow allergy mom, decided to grab some paint and jazz up her orange pumpkin. Becky decided to paint this beta pumpkin a lovely green-blue colour as part of her trunk décor for an allergy friendly, “Trunk or Treat” activity. After returning home her son put that beauty of a pumpkin on the porch in preparation for handing out candy to the rest of the neighbourhood. That small action started a movement that has spread from Tennessee, to across North America.
How Can I participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project®?
FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education) decided to join in on the Teal Pumpkin Project® action in 2014. That year FARE spearheaded a social media blitz in hopes that the teal pumpkin idea would spread to neighbouring states. This has made buying teal pumpkins easier each year. This year I was able to find two different teal pumpkins at Michaels. I was able to use a 50% off coupon, and the final price was about $10.00 each. In the past I have attempted to paint my own pumpkins teal…and…let’s just say I am happy that there are affordable alternatives available this year- ha!
If you are able to participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project this year, we would love to see your creations! You can use #sosisafe and follow us on Instagram OR drop a picture on our Facebook Page Sosisafe.
Additional Resources for The Teal Pumpkin Project®
What are the top 8 allergens?
For Teachers
Non-Food Tricks and Treats
Using Technology to Participate
There is a really cool option to share your house as a Food Allergy Friendly house for Halloween. You can register here using the Teal Pumpkin Project Participation Map.
If you are looking for more ways to accommodate your friend, family member, co-worker, or neighbour please check out our recipes and ideas that are peanut free with no dairy ingredients.