Make your Haunted House food allergy friendly for all Trick-or-Treaters

As you go out shopping in preparation for Trick-or-Treaters, pick up an extra pumpkin, some teal paint and a couple different treats.

The Teal Pumpkin Project is a way to show Trick-or-Treaters with a food allergy that a house has non-food options. This is a simple and affordable way to make sure all children have a safe and fun Halloween.

To participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project takes just four easy steps. The first is to buy non-food items.

Options can be simple trinkets such as Halloween themed pencils, rings and other spooky accessories or bouncy balls and other small toys. The gifts don’t have to be elaborate or expensive and can often be bought in bulk. Pop in to local stores to see if they have an idea what might make a good, non-food treat for Trick-or-Treaters in need of a safer option.

The second is to place a teal pumpkin outside ahead of Halloween or Trick-or-Treating hours.

Third, people participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project are encouraged to add their homes to the map at www.foodallergy.org and the last step is to spread the word and encourage more people to participate.

By doing this, we keep in mind the safety and needs of all children while ensuring they have the chance to be included in the Halloween fun. No child should have to pass up Trick-or-Treating and this is a good opportunity to prevent that.