Ghouls and goblins aren't the only things frightening children this Halloween.
Typical Halloween candy is filled with some of the most common food allergens—peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, wheat, soy and dairy.
With food allergies on the rise over the past decade, Trick-or-Treating has become a health risk. Enter the Teal Pumpkin Project.
Teal Pumpkin Project
Sponsored by Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), the Teal Pumpkin Project is an easy way to let children with allergies safely participate in Trick-or-Treat.
In addition to (or instead of) offering candy, the Teal Pumpkin Project encourages the giving of non-food items like toys, stickers, bubbles, spider rings or crayons.
Simply paint a pumpkin teal—the official color of food allergy awareness—and place it where you'll be giving out treats. This way, children with food allergies will know you're offering non-food treats, and can safely participate.
Halloween Isn't Just Candy
Navigating holiday environments is nothing new for parents of food-allergy sufferers, children on restricted diets or even those looking to limit their intake of sugar.
100 Days of Real Food compiled a list of non-sugary items to give out on Halloween, while the Sweatman Family proposed giving packaged mandarin oranges with Jack-o-lantern faces.
For parents looking to avoid processed candy, Five Little Homesteaders' published a homemade candy corn recipe.
Peanut Allergy Mom compiled a list of peanut-free candy, and described her experiences Trick-or-Treating with her peanut-free son.
Are you participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project this year or navigating Halloween treats while avoiding allergies? Share your thoughts below!