Halloween time is fun for most families. Children can hardly contain themselves as they prepare costumes and scheme to gather as much candy as possible, and adults are excited to see their children’s anticipation. However, for some families, this holiday is actually stressful.
For parents managing their child’s food allergy(ies), Halloween requires supervision and planning. Halloween candy often contains some of the most common allergens, according to Kelly Cleary, MD, FAAP. Dr. Cleary is a pediatrician and Senior Director of Education & Support Programs for Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE). Dr. Cleary also warns that miniature or fun-size versions of candy may contain different ingredients than their full-size versions; additionally, some miniature candy does not have ingredient labels for parents to check for allergens.
Dr. Cleary is a mom to three children without food allergies and to one with multiple anaphylactic food allergies. She knows first-hand how the holiday is very different for families managing food allergies. She knows that children cannot dive into their candy stash until their parents carefully review every label. Some parents allow their children to exchange the candy they collected while trick-or-treating for safe candy or non-food items they provide. Some children must be vigilant about not letting other children touch them while trick-or-treating if they eat candy containing allergens.
Can you imagine your childhood without the thrill of trick-or-treating? Would you do something to give that magic to children with food allergies? If so, your pumpkins this year might turn teal.
FARE’s Teal Pumpkin Project allows candy givers to make the holiday a lot less scary for children with food allergies and more welcoming by offering treats that are not food related and letting families know your house is an option by placing a teal-colored pumpkin in front of your house or by putting a sign on your door. Dr. Cleary says the project is a worldwide movement for a “safer, happier, and more inclusive Halloween for all children, including those with food allergies.” Your teal pumpkin or sign lets families know you are offering a separate container of non-food treats that will be safe for children to touch.
Dr. Cleary adds that CVS has partnered with FARE to provide non-food items to purchase for your separate container and for you to assist in raising food allergy awareness. Some of the items she purchases for her teal pumpkin of non-food goodies include stickers, items that glow, bubbles, stuffed animals, masks, and slime.
What does a teal pumpkin indicating non-food items are available mean to a child with food allergies? Picture in your mind this story from Dr. Cleary: “And when we see a teal pumpkin on the trail, my son runs up to the door, so grateful that the family has recognized that Halloween doesn’t look the same for every trick or treater.” FARE also mentions that children with diabetes, food intolerances, celiac disease, or a special diet, may also benefit from a non-food treat option.
FARE provides education and advocacy for those living with food allergies. According to its site, FARE has donated more than $100 million for research, connects families to support groups, and assists advocates to meet with policy makers. For more information about food allergies or for tips for a safer trick-or-treating experience with food allergies, visit foodallergy.org.
