More than 15 million individuals have food allergies in America - one in every 13 children - according to the Food Allergy Research Education (FARE). Incidences of food allergies escalate during Halloween as some treats contain ingredients like wheat, peanuts and other allergens that could trigger breakouts and attacks. If you have a child or family member who is sensitive to these allergens, then celebrating Halloween could indeed be a bit scary.
But thanks to the Teal Pumpkins Initiative, Halloweens is no longer be a fearful time for the allergy-prone. Launched by FARE in 2014, the idea behind this initiative is to promote safer trick-or-treat alternatives and raise awareness.
When the movement started last year, people gave out pencils, stickers, toys and non-food items instead of candies during trick-or-treat, while houses participating in the initiative displayed teal-colored pumpkins on their front porchs to indicate that their treats are safe. This showed a good way for other kids to feel included in the festivities, and FARE hopes that many will be joining the movement again this year.
"Our little block was very supportive last year," said Cally Peterson from Iowa, according to LIN Television Corporation. "My son is deadly allergic to peanuts and this is a great way to get the word out there that everyone is different."
"[My son] is just a normal little boy and he's at that age where he wants to do everything the other kids are doing, and so it would be great for him to be able to walk up to a house and actually get a treat he can have," said Rebecca Cross of Arkansas, a mom whose son has food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome, according to 5News Online.
If you would like to become part of the this alternative Halloween celebration, FARE is taking pledges for the Teal Pumpkin Project. Come Halloween night, be sure to fill your bowls with non-food items and decorate your house with teal pumpkins. Also, it would help to put up a sign by your front door, which you can download from FARE.
