Teal is the New Orange this Fall
If you see more than your fair share of teal pumpkins this season, it’s for good reason. The Teal Pumpkin Project — launched in 2014 and spearheaded by FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) — is gaining momentum across the country as it works to raise awareness of food allergies and promote inclusion in fall festivities. Those teal pumpkins on display signal that a home or business is participating in the initiative, meaning they have non-food treats for kids celebrating door to door.
While the prevalence of teal pumpkins is relatively new, the need to be particularly sensitive to children with food allergies is hardly so. It’s one of the reasons all of our schools are peanut-free and all of our teachers are trained to protect the health of children with specific food or environmental sensitivities.
However, according to FARE, food allergies are “a growing public health issue. In the U.S., one in 13 children has a food allergy — that’s roughly two in every classroom.” These children are challenged every day, particularly during the fall holidays, by this life-altering and potentially life-threatening disease.
The Teal Pumpkin Project is a fantastic resource for people who want to do more to include kids with food allergies. This includes things like:
- Putting out your own teal pumpkin and offering both food and non-food treats, such as glow sticks or small toys
- Adding your home, street or neighborhood to the Teal Pumpkin Project Participation Map so children and their parents know where they can find safe goodie options
- Downloading and displaying signs and flyers to raise awareness
- Helping spread the word on social media using #TealPumpkinProject
- Making a donation and becoming part of FARE’s GivingGrid
Learn more on how to go teal at https://www.foodallergy.org/education-awareness/teal-pumpkin-project!
Photo credit: Teal Pumpkin Project
