{"id":3912,"date":"2023-10-29T06:29:04","date_gmt":"2023-10-29T13:29:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kpthrivingfamilies.org\/pediatricsblog\/?p=3912"},"modified":"2023-12-15T11:39:20","modified_gmt":"2023-12-15T19:39:20","slug":"teal-pumpkins-raise-awareness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kpthrivingfamilies.org\/pediatricsblog\/teal-pumpkins-raise-awareness\/","title":{"rendered":"Teal Pumpkins Raise Food Allergy Awareness!"},"content":{"rendered":"

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 \u2013 what a great idea!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In 2012, a mom of 2 kids with food allergies in Tennessee painted a pumpkin teal \u2013 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 <\/span>Teal Pumpkin Project<\/span><\/a> and has been promoted by the Food Allergy Research & Education organization:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe 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!\u201d<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Efforts like the Teal Pumpkin Project help families and kids feel safe while participating in fun activities with friends and their community.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One in 13 children has food allergies – this can make Halloween rough.<\/span><\/h2>\n

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\u2019t safe (they either have allergens or are made in facilities that process foods with allergens.)<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If your family participates in Trick-or-Treating, consider offering non-food \u201ctreats\u201d 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\u2019t safely eat Halloween candy that will appreciate this too!\u202f\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Some fun options for non-food \u201ctreats\u201d include:\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n