Halloween is like the Christmas of October - a day filled with dressing up, trick-or-treating and having a good time with friends. But for some kids with food allergies, Halloween can be a bit awkward. Lot's of the candy people give out on October 31st have traces of nuts, or contain other sensitive ingredients that not everyone can enjoy.
All children should have the opportunity to experience the fun tradition of trick-or-treating, and based on that mandate the Teal Pumpkin Project was born. Originally a project created in the US by Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), Food Allergy Canada has taken up this project to ensure a safe Halloween for all Canadian children.
We put together a list of ways your family can get involved with this inclusive initiative!
1. Paint One Of Your Pumpkins A Bright Teal Colour And Leave It At Your Door Step
This way passersby will know your house is giving out candy or toys that are safe for everyone!
2. Provide Non-Food Gifts For Trick-Or-Treaters!
Not every house has to give out candy - and this way your guaranteed to make all your trick-or-treaters happy this year. It’s also super easy and cheap to get non-food treats for kids this Halloween - you can get stickers, playing cards, super balls, colouring books, yoyo’s etc.
3. You Can Download A Free Poster On The FARE Website Illustrating That You Have Safe Non-Food Treats
There are several different posters that you can print depending on what you are providing for trick-or-treaters, such as non-food treats, Allergen-free treats or both.
4. Tell Your Family And Friends All About It And Ask Them To Join The Campaign
Spread the word and make a difference!
5. Provide Allergen-Free Treats
Allergen-free treats have to be nut, gluten, dairy and egg free. If it can’t satisfy all these requirements, try to get nut-free treats, gluten-free treats or dairy/egg free treats separately, they’re usually easier to find.