The Teal Pumpkin Project: How to Make Halloween Safe and Fun for Kids With Food Allergies

For most children, Halloween is about costumes, friends, and a bag full of candy. For children with food allergies, it can also mean worry, disappointment, and the very real risk of an allergic reaction. Many popular Halloween candies contain peanuts, tree nuts, milk, egg, soy, or wheat, and fun-size versions sometimes contain different ingredients than their full-size counterparts.

That is where the Teal Pumpkin Project comes in. It is a simple way any family can make Halloween more inclusive, and it takes just a few minutes to join. Here is what it is, how to participate, and how parents of children with food allergies can keep the night safe.

What Is the Teal Pumpkin Project?

The Teal Pumpkin Project was started by Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) to make trick-or-treating safer and more inclusive. Placing a teal-painted pumpkin, or a printed teal pumpkin sign, outside your home tells families that you offer non-food treats.

Non-food treats help many children, not just those with food allergies, including children who:

• Have type 1 diabetes and need to manage carbohydrates carefully

• Have celiac disease or other conditions that require special diets

• Are fed through a feeding tube

• Have sensory or feeding challenges

• Have families who simply prefer fewer sweets

How to Participate

1. Get a teal pumpkin. Paint a pumpkin teal, buy a teal plastic pumpkin, or print a free sign from FARE's website.

2. Offer non-food treats. Keep them in a separate bowl from candy to avoid cross-contact.

3. Place the pumpkin where it is visible, near your door or at the end of your driveway.

4. Add your home to the map. FARE offers an online map where families can find participating homes in their neighborhood.

You do not have to give up candy. Most participating homes offer both, simply keeping the non-food treats in a separate bowl so every child can choose.

Non-Food Treat Ideas Kids Love

• Stickers and temporary tattoos

• Pencils, erasers, and fun pens

• Bubbles

• Bouncy balls

• Halloween-themed bookmarks

• Mini notepads or coloring books

• Crayons

• Spider rings and vampire fangs

• Glow bracelets

• Small slime or putty containers

• Bookmarks or mini books

Safety note: Small toys, bouncy balls, and other tiny items can be choking hazards for children under 3. Consider keeping a separate set of larger, age-appropriate items for toddlers. Glow sticks contain a liquid that can irritate the eyes and mouth if a child bites through them; supervise younger children.

For Parents of Kids With Food Allergies: Your Halloween Plan

Before trick-or-treating:

• Review the action plan. Make sure you know when and how to use epinephrine. If your child's allergy action plan is more than a year old, update it with your pediatrician.

• Carry two epinephrine auto-injectors. Check that they are not expired and that they stay at room temperature. Do not leave them in a cold car.

• Talk about the rules. Explain that no candy is eaten until you check it at home.

• Plan a candy swap. Stock up on safe treats or small toys at home so your child can trade unsafe candy for something they love.

• Eat dinner first so your child is not tempted to snack along the way.

  
  

During trick-or-treating:

• Look for teal pumpkins.

• Teach your child to say "thank you" and accept treats, but never eat them until checked.

• Avoid homemade treats from people you do not know well.

• Bring wipes so your child can clean their hands, since allergens can transfer from wrappers.

  
  

After trick-or-treating:

• Read every label. Fun-size and seasonal candies can have different ingredients or be made on different equipment than regular versions.

• When in doubt, throw it out or set it aside for trading.

• Watch for unlabeled candy. Many fun-size items do not have individual ingredient labels. If you cannot verify the ingredients, do not let your child eat it.

• Remember sesame. Since 2023, sesame has been one of the nine major food allergens that must be clearly labeled in the United States.

  
  

Recognizing an Allergic Reaction

Symptoms usually start within minutes to two hours after eating and can include:

• Hives, flushing, or itching

• Swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or eyes

• Coughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing

• Hoarse voice, throat tightness, or trouble swallowing

• Vomiting or stomach pain

• Dizziness, pale skin, or fainting

• Young children may say their mouth feels "itchy" or "spicy"

  
  

If you suspect anaphylaxis: Give epinephrine right away, call 911, and have your child lie down with legs raised, or sit up if breathing is difficult. Antihistamines do not replace epinephrine. Go to the emergency room even if symptoms improve, because symptoms can return.

Helping Kids Feel Included

Food allergies can make children feel left out, especially on holidays built around food. Focus on the parts of Halloween that do not involve candy: costumes, decorating, pumpkin carving, neighborhood parades, and parties with safe treats. Celebrate the teal pumpkins you find together. Many families say the Teal Pumpkin Project has turned Halloween from a stressful night into a fun one.

School Parties and Classroom Celebrations

Classroom Halloween parties can be tricky. Talk with your child's teacher ahead of time, offer to send safe treats, and suggest non-food activities and prizes. Make sure the school has your child's current allergy action plan and epinephrine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a teal pumpkin mean on Halloween?

A teal pumpkin means the household offers non-food treats, so children with food allergies or other dietary restrictions can safely enjoy trick-or-treating.

Do I have to stop giving out candy to join the Teal Pumpkin Project?

No. Many families offer both candy and non-food treats. Just keep the non-food items in a separate bowl to avoid cross-contact.

Are fun-size candies safe if the full-size version is safe?

Not necessarily. Fun-size candies may contain different ingredients or be made on different equipment. Always read the label on the specific product.

What should I do if my child eats something they are allergic to?

Follow your child's allergy action plan. If there are signs of a serious reaction, give epinephrine immediately and call 911.

The Bottom Line

A teal pumpkin is a small gesture that makes a big difference for children with food allergies and other medical needs. For parents of kids with allergies, a clear plan, careful label reading, and epinephrine on hand help keep Halloween safe and fun.

Mindful Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine helps families in Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Cumming, Suwanee, Milton, and Roswell manage food allergies with confidence.

Call 770-746-7113 to update your child's allergy action plan.