Teal Pumpkins Raise Food Allergy Awareness!
Why are so many teal-colored pumpkins popping up in Halloween displays? To support trick-or-treaters with food allergies! Last fall, I noticed my neighbor and her sons had put out one of these teal pumpkins on their porch. When I complimented it, she told me what it symbolized – what a great idea!
In 2012, a mom of 2 kids with food allergies in Tennessee painted a pumpkin teal – the color for food allergy awareness. She did this to indicate she had allergy-friendly treats to share with neighborhood kids. Her pumpkin sparked the idea that became the Teal Pumpkin Project and has been promoted by the Food Allergy Research & Education organization:
“The Teal Pumpkin Project promotes safety, inclusion, and respect of individuals managing food allergies. This worldwide movement offers an alternative for kids with food allergies, as well as other children for whom candy is not an option. It keeps Halloween a fun, positive experience for all!”
Efforts like the Teal Pumpkin Project help families and kids feel safe while participating in fun activities with friends and their community.
One in 13 children has food allergies – this can make Halloween rough.
Parties and events involving food can be challenging for these kids and their parents – Halloween is especially tricky. Many treats given out at Halloween just aren’t safe (they either have allergens or are made in facilities that process foods with allergens.)
If your family participates in Trick-or-Treating, consider offering non-food “treats” for kids. Setting out a teal pumpkin can indicate that all kids are welcome to choose a non-edible treat at your home. There are many kids with other medical conditions, such as diabetes, who also can’t safely eat Halloween candy that will appreciate this too!
Some fun options for non-food “treats” include:
- Glow sticks
- Pencils
- Small toys such as Halloween-themed rings, sealed containers of slime, or Slinkies. If toddlers are joining their big siblings in trick-or-treating, it’s important to separate out any small toys that can be choking hazards
If your child has food allergies or dietary restrictions, consider the following options for celebrating:
- Allow your child to trick-or-treat, but sort through candy together before eating, possibly trading your own “safe” items for less safe candies.
- Host a get-together with your child’s friends to watch an age-appropriate Halloween movie instead of trick or treating.
- Visit a pumpkin patch, corn maze, or fall-themed festival
Trick or treat, smell my feet
Give me something good to… play with?!
This classic Halloween reprise shared by decades of children just doesn’t work for non-edible treats – does it? It may be time to re-think our Halloween rhymes not only to leave out those smelly feet, but also to celebrate treats that include all kids!
Resources For Parents
American Academy of Pediatrics
Avoid a Food Allergy Scare on Halloween
Food Allergy Research & Education
US Food & Drug Administration
Featured Author
Dr. Frost's biography reads: I joined the pediatrics team at Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento in 2018 to help kids thrive. Outpatient pediatrics is a unique and rewarding medical specialty. I enjoy being able to foster long-term relationships with patients and their families, providing care in both health and illness as children grow. I believe that it is important to truly partner in health care with patients and their families; this allows not only for the best possible care but also for me to continue to learn and grow as a pediatrician. A professional interest of mine is to support breastfeeding families as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). During my medical training, I also pursued a degree in public health/health promotion - a field which applies to every patient visit in pediatrics. Yet, some of my most relevant experiences as a pediatrician has come from my two children, who have “trained” me first-hand on the challenges of parenthood and in finding the balance between evidence-based recommendations and reality to achieve optimal childhood growth and development. Being part of Kaiser Permanente allows physicians and patients access to integrated care and resources that are not readily available with other health systems. Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to preventive care is also an important piece of my personal care philosophy. I am proud to be part of the team at South Sacramento and I look forward to getting to know you and your family.
Dr. Frost's full biography can be found on My Doctor Online. Disclaimer: If you have an emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. An emergency medical condition is any of the following: (1) a medical condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that you could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in serious jeopardy to your health or body functions or organs; (2) active labor when there isn't enough time for safe transfer to a Plan hospital (or designated hospital) before delivery, or if transfer poses a threat to your (or your unborn child's) health and safety, or (3) a mental disorder that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that either you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, or you are not immediately able to provide for, or use, food, shelter, or clothing, due to the mental disorder. This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of specific medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your doctor. If you have questions or need more information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist. Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medications or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.