Halloween is supposed to be a fun ‘holiday’ for children, but for those with severe food allergies, collecting bags of treats that may pose a significant health risks. It can also be a stressful time for both children and parents. The Teal Pumpkin Project aims to raise awareness of food allergies and promote the inclusion of all trick-or-treaters throughout the Halloween season. This is done by encouraging people to hand out non-food treats, especially to kids with severe food allergies.

The Kid’s Safety Village in Whitby, Ontario is a non-profit organization committed to providing quality progressive safety programs, in a positive and interactive atmosphere, through community partnerships, to protect the community’s children. They host a Halloween event and are going to be promoting the Teal Pumpkin Project by having a teal pumpkin display as well as non-food treats. Upper Deck donated packs of trading cards that will be distributed as non-food treats so that all children can safely participate in this Halloween event.

If you make non-food treats available for kids in your neighborhood, let the community know by downloading and using these graphics to promote your house offers treats outside of candy: https://www.foodallergy.org/education-awareness/teal-pumpkin-project/free-resources

Happy Halloween!