Get Ready for a More Inclusive Halloween with the Teal Pumpkin Project!

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 11:38:55 -0400
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Halloween is a time of excitement, costumes, and community fun — but for children with food allergies, it can also be stressful and even dangerous. The Teal Pumpkin Project, an initiative by FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education), helps make Halloween safer and more inclusive for all trick-or-treaters.

By placing a teal pumpkin on your porch or displaying one of FARE's printable signs, you signal that you are offering non-food treats — such as stickers, small toys, bubbles, or glow sticks — in addition to traditional candy. This simple act ensures that children with food allergies or dietary restrictions can enjoy the fun of Halloween without fear of an allergic reaction.

Candy Facts: Staying Safe This Spooky Season

Help all trick-or-treaters have fun without worrying about accidental exposure to allergens!
Always check labels carefully, and when in doubt, contact the manufacturer before consuming.

Candy Corn: Often contains egg whites and sometimes sesame oil. If labeled egg-free, double-check for other potential allergens.

Mini or "Fun Size" Candy: May have different ingredients than full-size versions. Always read the label.

Last Year's Favorites: Ingredients can change — a candy that was safe last year might not be this year.

Candy Without Labels: If the product isn't clearly identified, it's safest to discard it or trade it for another treat.

Licorice: Often contains wheat as a binding ingredient — check labels if you have a wheat allergy.

"Allergy-Free" Candy: There is no such thing as completely "allergy-free" candy. While the top nine allergens cause most reactions, over 200 allergens have been reported.

Dark Chocolate: Can contain traces of milk, which are unsafe for those with milk allergies, even if tolerated by those with lactose intolerance.

How You Can Participate:

Add your home or event to the official Teal Pumpkin Project Map so families can plan allergy-safe routes.

Display a teal pumpkin or sign to show your participation.

Provide non-food treats in a separate bowl from candy to ensure safety and inclusion.

Encourage friends and neighbors to join the movement and help spread awareness.

Together, we can make Halloween a time of joy and inclusion for every child.
Learn more here and add your home to the map!

Let's bring the magic of Halloween to everyone — one teal pumpkin at a time!