Halloween: Orange, Black — and Teal?

Everyone associates the colors orange and black with Halloween.  But now some decorations in a new color — teal — are showing up on doorsteps along with spider webs, tombstones, and other spooky sights.

The new Halloween color is being promoted by the fine folks at Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE).   Teal is the color of food allergy awareness and has been used to educate people about this serious medical condition for 20 years.   The Teal Pumpkin Project® first began as a local awareness activity run by the Food Allergy Community of East Tennessee.  Then it was launched as a national campaign by FARE in 2014.  The purpose of the Project is to raise awareness of food allergies and promote inclusion of all trick-or-treaters throughout the Halloween season.

Did You Know…

• That 15 million Americans are living with food allergies?
• That in the U.S., one in 13 children has a food allergy?
• That many popular Halloween candies contain nuts, milk, egg, soy or wheat, which are some of the most common food allergens?
• That miniature or fun-size versions of candy items may contain different ingredients than their full-size counterparts?  And that some miniature candy items may not have labels, so it is difficult for parents to determine whether these items are safe for their child with food allergies?

These are astounding facts, and I’m glad to know that the Teal Pumpkin Project provides a way to help.

It’s Easy to Participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project

Kids with food allergies are probably accustomed to giving away a lot of the candy that they collect at Halloween.  So these children will be thrilled if you give them a non-food treat that they can keep.

It’s easy to participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project®, and there are many useful resources available at FARE’s website.  Here’s what you need to do:   1) provide non-food treats for trick-or-treaters; 2) place a teal pumpkin – the color of food allergy awareness –in front of your home to indicate you have non-food treats available; 3) display a free printable sign from FARE to explain the meaning of your teal pumpkin; and 4) add your house to FARE’s online map of participating homes.

And for extra points, you can purchase a carton of Good Karma Pumpkin Spice Nog.  A portion of the proceeds from sales of this delicious, seasonal drink are being donated to the Teal Pumpkin Project®.  Or you can make a direct online donation at FARE’s website.  Your gift to FARE supports food-allergy research, education, advocacy and awareness programs.

Finding the Non-Food Treats and a Teal Pumpkin

It’s simpler than you might think to find the non-food treats and a teal pumpkin to display.   Imagine my delight when I discovered that I could get an official licensed teal pumpkin at my local Michaels!  I bought both the teal and the orange versions and then applied decorations to make them more spook-tacular.  As for the non-food treats, I bought Halloween-themed pencils and some small toys that I’ll be offering to the little ghosts and goblins who ring our doorbell on October 31.  I’ll still have some Halloween candy on hand, too, for the kids who want a tasty treat.  Fortunately, online articles have identified some vegan Halloween treats, so I’ll be offering a few of those candies – such as Twizzlers, Smarties, and Skittles.

Please join me in creating a safer, happier Halloween for all!

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“The TEAL PUMPKIN PROJECT and the Teal Pumpkin Image are trademarks of Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE).”