Decoding the Teal Pumpkin: Meaning, Treat Ideas, and More!
Hey there, fellow parents, caregivers, and Halloween enthusiasts! As a pediatric dietitian specializing in food allergies, I know firsthand how crucial it is to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all children during Halloween festivities, especially the 1 in every 13 kids who are living with food allergies, many of which are life-threatening.
That's why this post will delve into the teal pumpkin phenomenon – its meaning, some exciting treat ideas, and all the nitty-gritty details you need to make this Halloween season safer and a bit more inclusive.
What Does the Teal Pumpkin Mean?
First things first, you might be wondering what this teal pumpkin business is all about.
Well, the teal pumpkin is a symbol of inclusivity, particularly for kids with food allergies.
It's an initiative started in 2012 by Becky Basalone (a mom and the director of a Tennessee food allergy support group) as a way to raise awareness of food allergies and make Halloween a safer and more enjoyable experience for all children, regardless of their dietary restrictions.
A teal pumpkin displayed outside a home or business signals to parents and trick-or-treaters that non-food Halloween treats are available. This small act of kindness and inclusivity can mean the world to children who may have food allergies or sensitivities. It's a way to ensure that no child feels left out or unsafe during the candy-filled festivities of Halloween.
Teal Pumpkin Project Map: Finding Inclusive Homes
Wondering how to find homes participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project near you? Food Allergy Research Education (FARE) has got you covered with their Teal Pumpkin Project Map. You can easily access it on FARE’s website and discover homes in your neighborhood that are offering non-food treats this Halloween.
By using the Teal Pumpkin Project Map, you can plan a route that ensures your child has a memorable Halloween experience without worrying about allergens. It's a fantastic resource that fosters community awareness and inclusivity.
Teal Pumpkin Treat Ideas
Now, let's talk about the fun part…
When you decide to participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project, there are plenty of creative and exciting options you can offer that will make your food-allergic trick-or-treater’s Halloween special.
In my home this year, we’ll be giving out glow sticks with bracelet connectors in addition to Halloween candy. I’ll place the glow sticks in a teal pumpkin bucket and the candy in a separate bowl so that the allergy-friendly options are clearly marked. Here are some more ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
Stickers and Temporary Tattoos: Kids love stickers and temporary tattoos. They're a hit with all age groups, and you can find a wide variety of designs to suit everyone's taste.
Halloween Pencils or Erasers
Glow Sticks and Bracelets: Halloween is a time for spookiness and excitement, and glow sticks and bracelets add that extra flair. Plus, they enhance safety by making children more visible in the dark.
Mini Toys: Think bouncy balls, mini figurines, or toy cars.
Craft Supplies: Crayons, coloring books, and small craft kits provide hours of creative fun.
Bubbles: Simple, entertaining, and perfect for outdoor Halloween celebrations!
Spider Rings
Halloween-Themed Bookmarks
Puzzles and Brain Teasers: Challenge the little ones with small puzzles or brain teaser games. It's a great way to keep them engaged.
Mini Play-Doh: These come in various colors and are always a hit with kids.
Halloween-Themed Slap Bracelets: My kids have always loved these!
The goal is to provide a wide range of treats so that every child can find something they enjoy. Keep in mind that not all non-food items are suitable for very young children, so choose age-appropriate options.
Teal Pumpkin Bucket: The Symbolic Carrier
The teal pumpkin bucket is another important element of the Teal Pumpkin Project. When you see a child carrying a teal pumpkin bucket while trick-or-treating, it signifies that they have dietary restrictions due to allergies. This little bucket makes it easier for homeowners to identify children with special needs and offer them non-food treats. So, if you see a teal pumpkin bucket on Halloween night, have some non-food treats ready.
Teal Pumpkin Candy Alternatives
If you're concerned about having candy alternatives for children with food allergies, fear not! There are plenty of allergen-free options available that you can stock up on for Halloween. Check out allergy-friendly brands and products at your local stores or online and be sure to carefully read labels every time you buy.
Safe Trick-or-Treating Tips for Kids with Food Allergies
If an Epi-pen is a part of your child’s allergy action plan, be sure to bring it with you while trick-or-treating.
Feed your child a hearty dinner before trick-or-treating. The less hungry they are while out and about, the less tempted they’ll be to eat their candy before you’ve had a chance to check all of the labels. Some of the recipes that have been a Halloween-night hit with my girls in the past include:
Establish a rule that your child must not eat any candy while trick-or-treating until you’ve had a chance to check that each piece is safe.
Have a stash of safe candies or treats at home. After trick-or-treating, you can go through your child’s candy loot together, take the opportunity to read the labels and discuss any hidden allergens, remove any candies that do not have a label, and allow your child to trade in the candies they receive but can't eat in exchange for the safe options in your stash.
Know that smaller versions of certain candies might have a different list of ingredients than their full-size versions. Always, always, always check the labels before you allow your child to eat a piece of candy, and don’t assume that a mini-size candy is safe just because the full-size version doesn’t contain certain allergens.
On that note, keep in mind that candy companies sometimes change their recipes. Candies that may once have been safe for your child may now contain allergens to which they are allergic. Be sure to always read the food labels!
Teal Jack-O-Lantern: Let's Get Creative!
Want to take your support for the Teal Pumpkin Project to the next level? Consider painting one of your pumpkin jack-o'-lanterns teal and display it on your porch. Or check out FARE’s free Teal Pumpkin Project Resources for signs, flyers, and easy, affordable ways to signal to families that your home is allergy-friendly and raise food allergy awareness on Halloween. It's a powerful way to raise awareness about the project and show your commitment to making Halloween enjoyable for all children.
Need some additional resources to help make your Halloween safer and easier? Check out my list of Halloween Treats for Babies That Aren’t Candy and enjoy these Pumpkin Recipes for Kids (and Babies Too). For help further navigating the incoming influx of Halloween candy, here’s a post to help you stress less about all sugar so you can put a plan in place ahead of Halloween that will encourage an easy, balanced approach to treats.
To wrap up, the teal pumpkin isn't just a trendy Halloween decoration; it's a symbol of inclusivity and safety for children with food allergies. By participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project, you can help create a more welcoming and enjoyable Halloween experience for all kids in your community. So, let's embrace the spirit of Halloween and ensure that every child has a spook-tacular time!
xo Malina