The Teal Pumpkin: Why You Need One Next Fall

By Debra Rodzinak

Last year, I developed a food allergy to strawberries.  I have never been allergic to anything before, so it came as quite a shock to me to discover that after surviving childhood with no food allergies, I suddenly became allergic to one of my favorite fruits!  Strawberries seem to be in everything, and now when I go out to eat and imbibe in a “tasty adult beverage,” I always ask if there are strawberries in it.

I cannot imagine what it must be like for a child who has a food allergy to nuts or other types of food commonly found in candy to go through at Halloween or is on a gluten-free diet.  With children running up and down driveways and stairs filling their baskets with delicious candy, it must be hard for children with allergies or celiac disease to sit by and not be able to participate.  However, a group has started The Teal Pumpkin Project which highlights food allergies in children and they have a solution.

The Teal Pumpkin Project

In it’s third year, the Teal Pumpkin Project is gaining popularity.  Basically, it lets parents of children with food allergies or Celiac disease know that the house that dons a teal colored pumpkin also has nonfood treats available.  Glow sticks, small toys, or bubbles can be given to these children so they don’t feel left out.  I think it is a wonderful idea.

History of the Teal Pumpkin

According to their website, the project was inspired by an East Tennessee mother who had a child with food allergies and felt left out at Halloween.  She partnered with the Food Allergy Community of East Tennessee (FACET) and together they launched a national campaign in 2014 to bring awareness of this issue to the public.  Their main goal is to bring awareness, inclusion, and community to the country about children with food allergies and Celiac disease.

How You Can Take Part

If you, like me, think this is a great idea and want to participate next Halloween, here’s how:

• Purchase non-food items for trick-or-treaters such as glow sticks, bubbles, or stickers
• Place a teal colored pumpkin in front of your house to let the parents of these trick-or-treaters that you have non-food items available for their child
• Print and display a sign from FARE (Food, Allergy, Research and Education) to let others know the meaning of your teal pumpkin
• Sit back and watch these children enjoy Halloween

I have to admit that I am a little excited about helping a child with food allergies enjoy Halloween who otherwise wouldn’t have had much fun.