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Understanding the Teal Pumpkin Project: A Step Towards Inclusivity

Rachel Portell

Halloween is just around the corner, so it’s time to shine a light on a small effort that makes a big impact: the Teal Pumpkin Project. As parents, we know how much joy Halloween brings to our little ones, but for kids with food allergies and certain disabilities, it can also bring a lot of anxiety and frustration. That's where the Teal Pumpkin Project comes in - it's a wonderful initiative that helps make Halloween safe and inclusive for all children.

So, what exactly is the Teal Pumpkin Project, and why is it so important? Let's dive in.

What is the Teal Pumpkin Project?

The Teal Pumpkin Project launched in 2012 in an effort to make Halloween safer for kids with food allergies and other medical conditions. What started as a local project by a food allergy group in Tennessee was expanded by the non-profit organization Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) to all 50 states. It’s easy to participate in this simple but impactful idea: in addition to candy for trick-or-treaters, also provide non-food treats. The non-food treats are placed in a teal-colored pumpkin or displayed with a teal pumpkin sign, indicating to families that there are allergy-friendly options available.

Why is the Teal Pumpkin Project Important?

Inclusivity

The Teal Pumpkin Project focuses on inclusivity. When you participate, you’re ensuring that every child can fully enjoy the Halloween experience, regardless of dietary restrictions or medical conditions. It’s a great way to promote kindness and understanding in your community.

Safety

By offering non-food treats at Halloween, you’re helping to create a safer environment for kids with allergies, some of which could be life-threatening.

Reduce Anxiety

Halloween can be nerve-wracking for kids (and parents of kids) with food allergies. It can also be upsetting for kiddos with disabilities that aren’t able to enjoy candy. The Teal Pumpkin Project can help reduce trick-or-treating anxiety, knowing there are safe and inclusive options available at certain homes.

Education

Participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project raises awareness. It’s an opportunity to educate children and parents about the importance of empathy and understanding towards those with dietary and medical restrictions.

How to Participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project

Getting involved is easy, and can make a positive difference for many kiddos:

  1. Paint or buy a teal pumpkin: Paint a real pumpkin teal or purchase one (teal pumpkin from Amazon). Place it prominently on your porch to signal that you have non-food treats available.

  2. Offer non-food treats: You can include items like glow sticks, stickers, pencils, small toys, and more. Affordable options can be found at dollar stores, party supply shops and online.

  3. Print a sign: FARE provides free printables you can display alongside your teal pumpkin, making it clear that you’re participating in the project. There are also great options online like this sign from Amazon.

  4. Add your location to the map: FARE keeps a map on their website so families can find participating locations.

By participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project, we can make Halloween a positive and safe experience for more children. Let’s teach our kids the importance of compassion and inclusion while ensuring more children can enjoy the magic of Halloween.

Teal Pumpkin Project Resources