Kankakee Times

Halloween is a time of excitement and fun for children, but for the 1 in 13 kids with food allergies, it can also be a time of fear and danger. To make this holiday safer and more inclusive for everyone, the Teal Pumpkin Project offers a simple solution - non-food treats and trinkets.

By placing a teal pumpkin on your doorstep, you are sending a signal to trick-or-treaters and their parents that you have non-food options available. This small gesture can make a big difference in the lives of children with food allergies. As Lisa Gable, CEO of Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), explains, "The Teal Pumpkin Project is all about raising awareness and creating a safe and inclusive Halloween experience for children with food allergies."

To participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project, you can easily find teal pumpkins online or at stores that sell Halloween decorations. FARE's website also offers free resources to help you spread the word and let others know that you have non-food treats available. By handing out flyers to neighbors, businesses, schools, and friends, you can help make your community more aware and supportive of children with food allergies.

If you choose to offer both candy and non-food treats, it is important to keep them separate. You can place the non-food items in a separate bowl, ensuring that children with allergies can safely choose an option that suits their needs. FARE provides a list of low-cost items that are perfect for this purpose, including glow sticks, pencils, bubbles, and stickers, among others.

For those who have children with food allergies, FARE also offers "Allergy-Safe Tips for Trick-or-Treating." These tips provide guidance on how to approach Halloween with caution and how to carefully read labels to avoid potential allergens.

The Teal Pumpkin Project is not just limited to individual households. Many communities, schools, and organizations have embraced this initiative to create a safe and inclusive Halloween experience for all. By joining the Teal Pumpkin Project, you can be a part of this movement and help make a difference in the lives of children with food allergies.

To find more information, including fall recipes, candy facts, and the Teal Pumpkin Project Map, visit FARE's website at [https://www.foodallergy.org/our-initiatives/awareness-campaigns/living-teal/teal-pumpkin-project](https://www.foodallergy.org/our-initiatives/awareness-campaigns/living-teal/teal-pumpkin-project).

This Halloween, let's come together to support kids with food allergies and make trick-or-treating a safe and inclusive experience for all. As Lisa Gable from FARE reminds us, "The Teal Pumpkin Project is a simple yet powerful way to show that you care and that you want every child to have a happy and safe Halloween."

Click this link to access more information: https://rephaas.com/2023/10/19/support-kids-with-food-allergies-this-halloween-join-the-teal-pumpkin-project/