Trick-or-treating is a big part of American culture despite the unhealthiness of excessive amounts of candy, which inspired a dentist's candy buy-back program.
Launched in 2007, the candy buyback program pays kids $1-per-pound for their extra Halloween candy, reports North Jersey. The collected candy is donated to Operation Gratitude to be part of care packages sent to U.S. troops.
The program began as an initiative by a dentist who wanted to teach kids about dental hygene and sugar intake, reports North Jersey.
"This is our eighth annual candy buy-back and it's one of my favorite events of the year," Dr. Larry Kaplan tells North Jersey. His Totowa dental practice collected more than 650 pounds of candy last year.
Kaplan, like many other dentists involved with the program, are participating to teach awareness - they are not trying to completely get rid of candy consumption.
"We're giving a message - enjoy your candy, in moderation, don't deprive yourself, but also make sure you pay attention to good oral health care because that makes a difference in the health care of your teeth and the quality of your life," Kaplan tells North Jersey.
Dr. Scott Peters, who was a part of the candy buy-back program for six years, is also participating because it's "a great thing," although he did share a secret - he may be a dentist, but he also loves candy.
"What are you going to do?" Peters tells North Jersey. "I have to say I'm not a non-candy person. It's do what I say, don't do what I do. I'm one of the worst ones."
Click here to find a nearby candy buy-back location.
