Trick-or-treating can be a dicey affair for kids with some serious allergies who are unable to eat food items commonly found in popular candies, like milk, nuts, eggs, soy and even food coloring. So this year, the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) group is hoping to raise awareness and simultaneously make Halloween extra exciting for children with food allergies. For my son, we stay clear from food coloring. Those colorful M&M's and Skittles all have it. Thank goodness he prefers chocolates.
The Teal Pumpkin Project, which the food allergy organization announced last week on their blog and on Facebook, is designed to encourage inclusiveness this Halloween and highlight houses that are celebrating the ghoulish day in an allergy-friendly way.
Why Teal?
Because Teal is the color of food allergy awareness.
Last year we gave out glow sticks and natural fruit leathers. It was also nice to see some of our neighbors give out stickers, homemade Halloween cards, (crafty bunch of kids) bouncy balls, and spider rings.
The project encourages those who have "non-food treats' such as small toys, crayons and stickers to place a pumpkin painted teal on their porch or stoop, so parents of affected children will know where to go for safe Halloween goodies. Families who wish to support the cause can visit FARE's website for printable fliers to help spread the word, more ideas for fun, non-food treats, and more details about the project.
What do I do if I want to participate?
It's simple, paint a pumpkin teal and either shop online or at your local Walmart, Target or Michaels. Click here to shop online for inexpensive novelty toys from oriental trading. They're fun! You can also download FARE's sign to show that you have non-food treats to hand out. It's a simple gesture that can have a big impact. Talk to your neighbors in your community so they can participate too.
The concept is already gaining massive popularity on social media and FARE's advocates are ecstatic. "We are thrilled to see so many people embracing the Teal Pumpkin Project as a way to ensure kids with food allergies can enjoy a safe, fun Halloween experience," said Veronica LaFemina, spokeswoman for the organization, to CNN.
Will you participate in this year's teal pumpkin campaign?
No comments:
Post a Comment