[VIDEO] Teal Pumpkin Project Makes Halloween Safe for Children with Food Allergies

Until our son tested positive for an array of food allergies when he was just three months old, I hadn’t given much thought to how everyday foods make millions of people sick.

According to Food Allergy Research and Education:

1 in 13 children has food allergies in the U.S.

Food allergies determine how we eat at home, which restaurants we enjoy, who we hire to watch A.J. while we’re away and requires us to keep his EpiPen handy for food allergy emergencies. We’ve taken a very cautious approach to celebrating Halloween with food allergies until I heard about the Teal Pumpkin Project.

Teal Pumpkin Project Makes Halloween Safe for Food Allergy Families

Food Allergy Research and Education launched the project in 2014 and it’s gained international attention ever since from families with food allergies.

Paint a pumpkin teal to show that you’re providing non-food treats for Halloween. It’s a safe way to allow all trick-or-treaters to take part in the annual event without worrying about allergic reactions to candy.

treat-bowl-TPP

 

This year, our teal pumpkin project included ones that are spray-painted and covered with teal scotch tape.

A non-food Halloween event is also welcoming to children with diabetes, as well as the ADD and ADHD community who’ve found that modified diets can lead to better outcomes.

I put a spin on the #TealPumpkinProject for Halloween by decorating these pumpkins with decorative Scotch tape. Teal…

Posted by Mommy Talk Show on Monday, October 26, 2015

Watch my interview with the Vice President of Communications for Food Allergy Research and Education about the Teal Pumpkin Project‘s Mission and how you can take part!

Video Interview:

What is the Teal Pumpkin Project?

 

Visit TealPumpkinProject.org to get free resources to make your home ready for a food-free Halloween for your family and visitors.

  • Download stencils for your teal pumpkin, flyers and signs to display in your neighborhood or your event.
  • Add your home address to the interactive map so families know you’re offering safe treats.
  • Get ideas on how to spread the word about this annual event.

Food Allergy Flyer

How to Get an EpiPen Coupon

One of the many expenses of living with food allergies is the cost of an Epipen, an epinephrine injection, that can save a person’s life when they’re having an allergic reaction. In 2016, the makers of the EpiPen were criticized for jacking up the price of he life-saving medication. Here are 4 Ways to Survive the EpiPen Price Hike.

EpiPen Price Hike

About Joyce Brewer

Creator & Host of Mommy Talk Show. Emmy award-winning TV journalist.Wife & Mommy; Mom Blogger; Social Media Coach; Long Island, New York transplant living in Atlanta, GA. Follow Joyce on Twitter @MommyTalkShow Author of Use What You Know: A Business Idea Guide for Moms featuring interviews with mompreneurs who created businesses using their skills & backgrounds.

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15 comments

  1. I like you I never gave thought to food-allergies, until my appointment for my daughter last week. I was reading this flyer and when I made treats for her class I made sure to put in some non-food treats for those that may have allergies. I may continue this trend for her classroom because there are no allergies in her class, the kids take things home!!

  2. I was not even really caring about food allergies until I started seeing a specialist about fertility. They did some testing on me and I was shocked at the findings. Children are so vulnerable and having organizations out there that will help and that are willing to help kids enjoy the time safely is awesome.

  3. This post makes me smile. I work in a school, and every day we must insure that our kids with food allergies are handled with tender care. We also keep our eyes on kids whose families eat clean. I hadn’t heard of the Teal Pumpkin Project, and I bet others haven’t either. I’ll share it on my Facebook page and Twitter. Thanks again, Joyce!

  4. Wow! I never even thought of this. I think of food allergies but only like peanut allergies cause that’s he one you most commonly hear of. You just opened my eyes to something I need to be more sensitive about.

  5. I really like this idea, of having an alternative present for children with allergies. I once read a letter of a parent saying that her child was allergic to a wide range of ingredients and was asking EVERYONE in the neighborhood to refrain from offering those kinds of items. I don’t think that’s fair, since it affects all of the other kids. She wanted to replace all forms of chocolate with carrot sticks and apple slices :/ Offering an alternative such as non-food items is best. Everyone gets to have fun that way.

  6. I’m so thankful my daughter never had food allergies because it can be quite taxing as a parent and on the child who can’t eat the same foods as other kids.

  7. I love this idea. People don’t realize how severe food allergies can be.

  8. so I never heard of this campaign but its a real thought out and considerate way allowing all to do this. This is not only great to use for trick or treating but also in the classroom to ensure no child feels left out. thanks!

  9. omg I never thought about this

  10. I shared your post on Twitter and my Facebook page. I think this is really great to help keep kids safe. I wish they would have started this years ago!

  11. Great post. I never thought about how Halloween affects kids with allergies and diabetes. Glad to see they aren’t forgotten about and can still participate and be safe. Thanks for sharing.

  12. This is such a great project! I don’t have any kids as yet but I have friends with kids with food allergies and I know how hard it is for them to participate in activities. Also, as someone who carries an Epipen (for a bee sting allergy), your post about saving money on them helped a lot.

  13. I like this idea! Honestly kids don’t need all of that candy anyway.. So I like this alternative, they can still receive something even if they can’t take part in all the candy being given out! I didn’t know a teal pumpkin meant food allergies-you learn something new everyday

  14. I read about this a few days ago. This is a great project. Can’t wait to see more homes taking part.

  15. I heard about this last year, and I think that it’s such a good idea! I love your spray painted and scotchtape ones!