Allergy-Free Halloween

Halloween is just one day away! While this is classically a time to give out sweet treats, we must remember that many candies contain common allergens, such as milk, nuts, eggs, soy or wheat. According to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), potentially life-threatening food allergies affect about 1 in every 13 children in the United States. This is no reason to give up on Halloween fun, though! All kids with food allergies, Celiac Disease, feeding tubes, etc can still dress up in their adorable costumes and have a blast celebrating the fun tradition of trick-or-treating. You can help all kids feel included and safe this year by participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project®, a national campaign that was launched by FARE in 2014. 

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Here’s How to Get Involved:

• Paint or decorate a pumpkin teal to show trick-or-treaters that you have food-allergy friendly treats at your home
• If you don’t have a teal pumpkin, you can display a free printable sign on your door or mailbox
• Hand out non-food goodies that all trick-or-treaters can enjoy
• Still want to give out some candy?? Just keep it in a separate bowl to keep your non-food treats safe

Non-Food Treat Ideas:

• Spider rings
• Festive bead necklaces
• Spooky pencils and stickers
• Glow sticks
• Bookmarks
• Playing cards or dice
• Crayons
• Coloring books
• Bubbles
• Bouncy balls
• Small toys

​For more information on this initiative, visit the Teal Pumpkin Project FAQs. The FARE website also offers a variety of resources if you are hoping to learn a little more about food allergies in general. Wishing you a safe and joyful Halloween - happy haunting!
 
Holly, RDN

Sources:
-Food Allergy Research & Education: http://www.foodallergy.org/home
 
The TEAL PUMPKIN PROJECT® and the Teal Pumpkin Project® logo are registered trademarks of Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE).