My household is one of inclusion. Since my husband lives with type 1 diabetes and I’ve heard stories about how he just wanted to feel the same as everyone else growing up, we make sure to teach our kids that everyone has something unique about them and excluding someone from something due to a medical condition is not ok. That’s why I was so excited to hear about the Teal Pumpkin Project. Children living with diabetes can absolutely go trick-or-treating and get candy, but having the option to get something without sugar is also a great alternative and let’s be honest – is a parent’s dream! Even though my kids don’t have diabetes, I don’t need them wound up on sugar at 9pm at night either – the excitement of dressing up like superheroes is enough to kick their energy into high gear. Today, I’d like to introduce you to Lois A. Witkop, Chief Advancement Officer with the Food Allergy Research & Education to talk more about the Teal Pumpkin Project.
Kids of all ages love Halloween. For one night each year, everyone gets to play dress-up and visit the neighbors. But for youngsters who can’t share in the snacking, the emphasis on collecting sugary treats can dampen the Halloween spirit. FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) launched the Teal Pumpkin Project in 2014 to make Halloween happy and safe for all, including children for whom candy isn’t an option.
Why Teal Pumpkins?
The Teal Pumpkin Project was inspired by a local support group, the Food Allergy Community of East Tennessee (FACET). In 2012, FACET director Becky Basalone painted a pumpkin teal – the color of food allergy awareness – to let trick-or-treaters know that non-food treats were available and safe for kids with food allergies. With Becky’s support, FARE has spread this campaign to millions of people across all 50 U.S. states and 14 countries.
While the Teal Pumpkin Project is rooted in the food allergy community, its inclusive spirit is shared with all children, especially kids whose trick-or-treating is limited by a special diet. Households that take part in the Teal Pumpkin Project offer Halloween happiness to children managing a range of medical conditions, including tens of thousands of youngsters with diabetes.
How Do I Participate?
Joining the Teal Pumpkin Project is easy. All you need is a teal pumpkin and a bowl of non-food treats. If no pumpkins are available, you can find free downloadable posters on the FARE website. Displaying a teal pumpkin signals that non-food goodies are available at your house. Another way to advertise your allergy-friendly address is to place a pin on FARE’s interactive Teal Pumpkin Project participation map.
Of course, being part of the Teal Pumpkin project doesn’t mean that you can’t hand out snacks. Many Teal Pumpkin Project families let trick-or-treaters choose: candy or a prize? Just remember to keep the snacks and trinkets in two separate bowls. If you’ve ever watched children open their goody bags at a birthday party, you know that non-food treats are popular, even with kids who love candy.
Some teal pumpkins come from a garden, others from a craft store, but all are fun to paint and decorate. For children who don’t have dietary restrictions, this creative activity is also a lesson in empathy: Some kids can’t eat candy, so we can share our fun by offering treats that are safe for them.
The 2017 goal of the Teal Pumpkin Project is for at least one home on every block to stock up on non-food treats and welcome all trick-or-treaters with a beautiful, blue-green pumpkin. This Halloween, we hope that children with special diets can spot a teal pumpkin on your doorstep, and smile.
For more information about the Teal Pumpkin Project, including free resources, please visit tealpumpkinproject.org.
FAQs
Putting a teal pumpkin on your doorstep means you have non-food treats available, such as glow sticks or small toys. This simple act promotes inclusion for trick-or-treaters with food allergies or other conditions.
What does a teal Halloween bucket mean? ›
Teal pumpkin buckets are used as a signal to let others know that a child has a food allergy. The "Teal Pumpkin Project" started as a safe by the food allergy community of east Tennessee to help make trick-or-treating more inclusive and safe for children with food allergies.
What do blue and teal pumpkins mean? ›
Blue buckets signify the trick-or-treater may have autism and may be nonverbal, so homeowners should avoid asking them to say “trick or treat” if possible. Teal buckets mean the child may have a food allergy and may be sensitive to certain candies or treats.
Can you trick or treat with a peanut allergy? ›
The most effective way to prevent a reaction is for your child to avoid peanut and peanut products. Some ways to do this include: Going through their trick-or-treat bag and taking out any candy that contains peanuts or has a label with a statement such as "may contain peanuts"
What does it mean if you happen to see a blue pumpkin while trick-or-treating? ›
What do blue pumpkins mean? While blue pumpkins and blue pumpkin buckets are not tied to a specific fundraiser or organization, they are used to signal that a child may have autism or a sensory processing disorder.
What is the rule for the pumpkin in trick or treat? ›
At the very least, you should only go to a house with a pumpkin at the front door or at the window. If the house doesn't have decorations up, chances are they are not interested in trick-or-treaters coming to their door.
What does it mean if a house displays a teal pumpkin outside? ›
Place a teal-colored pumpkin outside on your porch or doorstep to signify that you have non-food or allergen-free treats in addition to or in place of traditional candy. If you're offering both, make sure to place the candy in a separate container. If your child has food allergies, get them a teal-colored treat bucket.
What does a blue pumpkin on your porch mean? ›
If you see someone on your front porch carrying a blue pumpkin—or see a home with a blue pumpkin display—that is a sign that this particular trick-or-treater may be non-speaking or living with autism spectrum disorder. That means folks handing out candy shouldn't expect them to yell “Trick or treat!” or say thank you.
When did the teal pumpkin Project start? ›
In 2014, FARE started the Teal Pumpkin Project to raise awareness of food allergies and help to promote inclusion for all trick-or-treaters on Halloween. It began in Tennessee as a local initiative, but it has since grown to be worldwide!
What color pumpkin is for autism? ›
Oftentimes, it's difficult to tell someone is autistic by looking at them, and the blue pumpkin serves as a wordless explanation. Blue pumpkins are also sometimes used as a way for non-autistic households to signal that they're a safe space for all kids, including those with disabilities.
In English, the word pumpkin is often used as a term of endearment. Other English words that people commonly use to express their adoration for someone include babe, baby, beautiful, buddy, cupcake, cutie-pie, darling, dear, handsome, honey, pet, princess, sugar, sweet pea, sweetie, or sweetie-pie.
What does a white pumpkin on your porch mean? ›
Decorating your porch with white pumpkins is a way to honor a child lost from miscarriage, stillbirth, or sudden infant death syndrome. While October is a month to celebrate Halloween and embrace family traditions, it's also Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.
Can I kiss someone with a nut allergy? ›
But the amount of allergens in the mouth goes down over time, and after a few hours they are all but gone. Experts advise brushing your teeth and waiting at least 4 hours before kissing someone if you think you ate a food that person may be allergic to.
Does a peanut allergy count as a disability? ›
A food allergy will generally be considered a disability. Per the definition of disability in the ADA, a food allergy does not need to be life-threatening or cause anaphylaxis in order to be considered a disability.
What do I do if I ate peanuts and I'm allergic? ›
If you start having serious allergic symptoms, like swelling of the mouth or throat or trouble breathing, use the epinephrine auto-injector right away. Also use it right away if your symptoms involve two different parts of the body, like hives with vomiting.
What does the pumpkin mean in trick or treat? ›
Because Halloween is a candy-centered holiday, the teal pumpkins are meant to indicate a food allergy: dairy, gluten, or nuts. So, a teal pumpkin sitting on the porch of a house means that the house has food-allergen-friendly options for trick-or-treaters.
What is the history of the teal pumpkin project? ›
History & Why It Is Important
In 2014, FARE started the Teal Pumpkin Project to raise awareness of food allergies and help to promote inclusion for all trick-or-treaters on Halloween. It began in Tennessee as a local initiative, but it has since grown to be worldwide!
What is the pumpkin kid from trick or treat? ›
Sam, or "Samhain", a fictional character created by Michael Dougherty, appearing in Dougherty's 1996 short film, Season's Greetings, and then in the horror film Trick 'r Treat. He was played by child actor Quinn Lord in the film.
