Why Are You Seeing More Teal Pumpkins In Your Neighborhood? [VIDEO AND MAP]

If you have ever been with someone who is experiencing a reaction to a food allergy, it can be an extremely scary and serious situation.  Children and their families in our area and across the US have to be so very careful during the Halloween trick or treat season due to their food allergies.  But, three years ago the Teal Pumpkin Project was started and it changed Halloween for kids with food allergies.  It gives them the opportunity to dress up and trick or treat by going to "safe" homes.

This isn't just something done in our community or even in just the United States, there is participation in the Teal Pumpkin Project worldwide.  Basically, it's houses that offer a non-food treat, like a small toy, glow stick, stickers, small books, anything that would be an alternative to candy.  Then they place a teal colored pumpkin outside their home to signify they are a "safe house" for those children with a food allergy.

Maybe you won't be home to hand out candy or participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project.  You could simply make a donation.  Or, if you are planning on being a safe house, you need non-food treats for the trick-or-treaters. Then, make sure you have a teal pumpkin in front of your home to indicate that you have non-food treats available.  You can also print a free sign from FARE to display that explains why and what you are doing.

You can use the Teal Pumpkin Project map a couple of different ways.  Either to find the homes in your neighborhood offering non-food treats.  Or, if you plan on participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project, get your house address on the map for other to see.

Thank you to my friends who have children with food allergies calling this important program to my attention.

Info via:  barry-love/Ebay, Teal Pumpkin Project,