Why You May See Teal Halloween Pumpkins Tonight

By Susan Petroni (Patch Staff)

When you are out trick or treating tonight with your family, you may see teal-colored pumpkins.

A food allergy organization is hoping a new Halloween tradition starts this year with an unusual pumpkin color.

Food Allergy Research & Education is encouraging families to make Halloween a little less scary for children with food allergies by place a teal pumpkin on front steps or porch to indicate that you will be giving out non-food treats on Halloween night.

The Teal Pumpkin Project is designed to promote safety, inclusion and respect of individuals managing food allergies – and to keep Halloween a fun, positive experience for all.

“I think the teal pumpkin project is a fantastic idea. There are so many children with food allergies to so many different things not just peanuts,” said one mom, Jaclyn Dutchka. ”Before I had my son, who is allergic to peanuts and tree nuts, I never thought about the ‘may contain’ or ‘processed in a facility with’ labels on foods. Now I read EVERYTHING. The idea of kids getting a little no food treat really let’s them enjoy the holiday! It also puts parents minds at ease! The more people that participate the better! Happy and healthy Halloween!”

Started last year in Tennessee before, the allergy organization adopted the idea nation, wide, FARE suggest families pass out bubbles, bouncy balls, stickers, and crayons or markers, instead of candy on October 31.

For more information, follow this link.

--Image via TEAL PUMPKIN PROJECT (Virtual event) on Facebook