17 Juil Save Lives This Halloween With a Teal Pumpkin

It’s the spookiest day of the year; filled with scary movies, the crisp cool air of autumn and, as always, lots of candy! Halloween is one of the most fun-filled nights of the year, where children of all ages can re-imagine themselves as cats, pirates or even their favourite Disney character.

Unfortunately, due to severe food allergies, for some children and parents, Halloween is the most terrifying night of the year. So many treats that are handed out contain soy, wheat, chocolate, peanuts and gluten, which many young children are allergic to. All of these ingredients are the most common food allergies in Canada. Food allergies are sensitivities caused by a reaction of the body’s immune system to specific proteins in food. According to AllerGen the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice reported 7.5% of all Canadians admit to having at least one food allergy. According to this research 2.5 million Canadians suffer from food allergies. So imagine if you are one of those 2.5 million Canadian who can’t partake in the joy of going door-to-door trick or treating. That’s why the Teal Pumpkin Project was created.

What does a Teal Pumpkin On The Doorstep Mean?

The Teal Pumpkin Project started in 2014 by the non-profit organization Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE). An initiative started to give those kids suffering from food allergies an opportunity to partake in Halloween and the trick or treat tradition. People place a teal coloured pumpkin on their doorstep or in front of their homes to let the kids and parents know that the house offers safe treats for those with food allergies. The impact of this project is huge. See what parents with food allergies have to say.

Ideas for Food Allergy-Free Treats

• Bubbles
• Erasers
• Bouncy Balls
• Mini Slinkies
• Plastic Spider Rings
• Glow sticks
• Pencils, pens, crayons or markers
• Finger Puppets
• Stencils
• Stickers
• Small Toys
• Hot wheels cars

Non-Food Halloween treats can get expensive so why not put out a bowl full of candy and a bowl full on non-food items for those with allergies.

Join The Teal Pumpkin Movement

If you have any other questions about the projects, feel free to check out FARE’s website.

Help keep hospital visits to a minimum this Halloween by participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project. Make your house allergy safe this fall.