Halloween brings about the sweetest of treats for all trick-or-treaters. While these sweet treats can be delicious, their ingredients can be extremely harmful to children with severe allergies. To help protect kids from allergy-related attacks on Halloween night, Food Allergy Research & Education launched the Teal Pumpkin Project™.

What is the Teal Pumpkin Project™?

Research states that one in 13 children suffers some kind of food allergy, leaving those children at risk for severe allergic reactions and attacks. This means that Halloween candies can become potential hazards to children, especially those containing some of the most common allergens listed below:

• Nuts
• Dairy
• Eggs
• Soy
• Wheat

The Teal Pumpkin Project is designed to raise awareness of these food allergies and to encourage the inclusion of all trick-or-treating children on Halloween night. This means that instead of handing out handfuls of chocolate candies, a person can hand out fun, non-food treats. Not only can handing out non-candy treats help children who suffer from allergies, it can greatly prevent harm to those who suffer from diabetes or celiac disease.

How Do I Participate?

Participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project™ is simple! Follow the steps listed below:

• Sign the pledge:

First, sign the pledge by filling out the form on this page. This will let others know that you are committed to supplying non-food treats as your trick-or-treat gifts.

• Add your house to the map:

Second, add your home to the map by following the directions on this page. This will inform other parents that their children can trick-or-treat at your door, knowing their children will not face harm as a result of allergy-related attacks.

• Paint a pumpkin teal and place it in front of your house:

This will symbolize your participation in the Team Pumpkin Project™ and can let passersby know you are handing out non-candy treats!

• Give back and make a donation:

Say thanks to Food Allergy Research & Education for supporting healthy and safe practices this Halloween by donating any amount money you feel necessary. You can make your donation here.

How Should I Include My Children if They are Trick-or-Treating?

If your children will be participating in Halloween festivities, you can still protect them from allergy-related attacks by following the tips listed below:

• Enforce a “No Eating While Trick-or-Treating” rule:

Instead of allowing your children to eat candies as they walk around neighborhoods in search of more, teach them to wait until they get home to start snacking. This will give you the chance to inspect the ingredients of their goodies to ensure they do not consume any snacks that contain allergens that may cause them allergic reactions.

• Carry two Epinephrine auto-injectors:

If you plan to join your children as they trick-or-treat, consider carrying two epi pens. This will allow you to treat a severe allergic reaction if one is to occur away from home. Be sure to keep these products in close reach.

The Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia Cares About Your Family’s Health and Safety

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s health in relation to allergies, contact the Georgia allergists at Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia today. We care about the health and well-being of your children and will do everything in our power to ensure your child receives the medical attention they need right away.

Make this Halloween a fun and safe one. For any other questions regarding the Teal Pumpkin Project™ or your children’s allergies, call our office! We can’t wait to help your family.