Halloween Has a New Color — Teal

My birthday is October 26, so I have had my fair share of Halloween-themed birthday parties growing up — complete with costumes, cake, candy and an abundance of food. Add trick-or-treating a few days later, and these were the best birthdays ever. That was a time when life was fairly “simple” (just do not eat peanuts) — long before I was diagnosed with 21 other food allergies.

The reality is that many Halloween treats are not allergy-friendly. They are especially dangerous for children with allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, milk, egg, soy and wheat. It is because of this that FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education) promotes the Teal Pumpkin Project, which was originally a local activity run by FACET (Food Allergy Community of East Tennessee). Teal is the color of allergy awareness, and supporters are asked to sit a teal pumpkin outside of their front door. Teal pumpkins can either be painted at home as a DIY-project or they can be purchased at stores like Michael’s. The display of this pumpkin indicates you will provide the option of food and non-food treats to those that ring your doorbell. This way, parents and children can be more comfortable going door-to-door if they have food allergies.

Now, you might be wondering if children actually like non-food treats. The answer is: absolutely. What kid do you know that doesn’t like stickers, coloring books, glow sticks, crayons, small toys, etc.?

 Please consider becoming a supporter of the Teal Pumpkin Project so that children with food allergies can enjoy Halloween, too. There will definitely be a teal pumpkin outside my door.