When it comes to pumpkins, teal is the new orange.
But the color is more than just a simple decoration—it’s a symbol. A teal pumpkin means that the homeowner has non-food treats available, such as glow sticks or small toys, for children with food allergies or other conditions.
Approximately 1 in 13 children in the U.S. have a food allergy, according to foodallergy.org. That makes Halloween—usually a joyful experience—tough for a lot of trick-or-treaters, whose life-threatening allergies prevent them from enjoying much of the candy available.
But thanks to the Teal Pumpkin Project®, these children can still partake in the season’s festivities. Founded by the Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) nonprofit organization, the Teal Pumpkin Project ensures that all children have a happy Halloween.
“Halloween is the perfect time to ensure that every child feels included and special,” said Tonya Winders, president and CEO of the Allergy and Asthma Network. “By participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project you can make this a reality for the six million kids living with life-threatening food allergies.”
The Allergy and Asthma Network is one of many organizations that have joined forces to support the Teal Pumpkin Project. Others include APFED, AAFA, CURED, FAACT, EAT, the Food Allergy Fund, the FPIES Foundation, I-FPIES, and Red Sneakers for Oakley.
“The Food Allergy Fund is proud to join the food allergy community to raise awareness about the importance of inclusivity this Halloween season,” said Ilana Golant, founder and CEO of the Food Allergy Fund. “Until we know the cause or have a cure for food allergies, holidays will continue to be tough for children who need to avoid their allergens to prevent a life-threatening reaction.”
Visit the FARE website to take the Teal Pumpkin Project pledge.
Projects like this are close to our hearts here at Little Rae’s Bakery. Our founding partner, James Morse, has been allergic to peanuts and tree nuts since he was a child. Even the tiniest amount of residual nut can earn him a ticket to the emergency room. Since 2008, Little Rae’s Bakery has proudly operated as a dedicated peanut and tree nut-free facility, allowing James and others with nut allergies to enjoy our products without fear of cross-contamination.