Teal Pumpkin Project 2018 Teal Pumpkin Quote by SosiSafe

What is the Teal Pumpkin Project?® 2018

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.

What is the teal pumpkin project? Teal Pumpkin Project information by SosiSafe
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.

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.

#sosisafe
Click this picture for a quick link to our social media accounts.

Teal Pumpkin Project 2017 Teal Pumpkin Quote by SosiSafe