The Teal Pumpkin Project
Some of you may have seen a teal pumpkin recently, in a store front or on someones porch. That teal pumpkin has a very big significance. Countless numbers of kids worldwide suffer from food allergies, my son being one of them. The teal pumpkin is a symbol of food allergy awareness. Over the last few years people have been displaying a teal pumpkin as a sign that they are a "safe house" for kids to trick-or-treat at.
FARE (Food, Allergy, Research & Education) wanted Halloween to be inclusive so all children could enjoy the holiday safely. They suggest no food items such as bubbles, pencils, stickers, play-doh and glow sticks. Every one of these items can be bought at a local dollar store. The point is not to put you out by having to purchase specialty items but to let all kids participate in the fun of trick-or-treating without it ending in a trip to the ER.
In my sons case, his allergies are life-threatening. His is so severe it's airborne, meaning he will have a reaction if he smells peanuts. When candy containing nuts is placed in a trick-or-treat bag it contaminates all of the candy. We have always been careful watching what goes in to his bag and have always kept safe alternatives at our house to switch once we got home. Last year we noticed more houses in our neighborhood participating in The Teal Pumpkin Project. You can't begin to imagine how this makes us feel, other families are making sure that all kids are safe and able to enjoy the holiday. It truly is priceless.
If you'd like more information about The Teal Pumpkin Project please check out the FARE website. If you already participate, thank you from every food allergy mom who worries a little extra on Halloween.
