The Teal Pumpkin Project

FARE, the Food Allergy Research & Education, works to help the 15 million Americans living with food allergies through research, education and awareness. Their mission is "to improve the quality of life and the health of individuals with food allergies, and to provide them hope through the promise of new treatments."

Besides the various links of resources, activities, and information on the website, FARE also promotes education and awareness through a project called The Teal Pumpkin Project. This special project’s purpose is to raise awareness of food allergies, while promoting inclusion of all trick-or-treaters throughout the season of Halloween.

Q&A:

Why is this project important?

Halloween can be a tricky time for families managing food allergies. Many traditional Halloween treats aren’t safe for children with life-threatening food allergies. The Teal Pumpkin Project promotes safety, inclusion and respect of individuals managing food allergies. This worldwide movement offers an alternative for kids with food allergies, as well as other children for whom candy is not an option. It keeps Halloween a fun, positive experience for all!

What do I do if I want to participate?

Participating is simple. Pick up some inexpensive toys (stickers, pencils, mini water bottles, glow sticks, bubbles) and place a teal pumpkin and/or a free printable sign from FARE outside your home to show that you have non-food treats to hand out. Supporting the Teal Pumpkin Project is a simple gesture that can have a big impact.

You can purchase an already-painted teal pumpkin, here at the West Lakes Hy-Vee. 

How do I know which houses in my area are participating?

FARE is providing a map that allows people participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project to add their home address, street or neighborhood. Adding your household to the map shows your support and allows you to connect with other families in your area who are participating.

Why teal?

Teal is the color of food allergy awareness. It has been used to raise awareness about this serious medical condition for nearly 20 years.

*All questions and answers are from the foodallergy.org website*

EVENT: Family Halloween at Living History Farms

The Teal Pumpkin Project has many different events and activities to participate in throughout the United States. Here in Iowa, Living History Farms (Urbandale, IA) holds a Family Halloween event every year where the Teal Pumpkin Project is incorporated into the event. The fun event takes place October 19-22, 2017 and October 26^th-29^th, 2017 (5:30-8:30pm). Grab your family, some fun Halloween costumes, and attend the Family Halloween at Living History Farms this October!

Additional Information and Resources

The Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) is more than just the Teal Pumpkin Project. They aim to educate and aware the public on daily life with food allergies; managing life’s milestones, anaphylaxis, newly diagnosed information, living well every day, and more. Through this education and awareness, they hope to help the millions of Americans living with food allergies live a better quality life and health, while providing them hope through the possible treatments. There are various tools and resources on the FARE website. Take a look at the FARE website so your family can be aware and even participate in events to support the Teal Pumpkin Project this Halloween season!

For more information on FARE and their cause, visit www.foodallergy.org or click on the following link: https://www.foodallergy.org/education-awareness/teal-pumpkin-project.

-West Lakes Hy-Vee Dietitians Team