For children with severe food allergies Halloween can an isolating experience. But thanks to the national Teal Pumpkin Project kids allergic to peanuts and other foods can enjoy trick or treating without fear of having a dangerous reaction.
If you spot one of those pumpkins on a front porch its a signal for children with food allergies that they can find safe, non-food treats and be assured they won't have an allergic reaction.
"Two children with food allergies are in every classroom," says Dr. Kevin Murphy, pediatric pulmonology specialist at Boystown National Research Hospital. "That's why I find a project like this important because it gives parents a safety option."
You can paint a pumpkin teal and place it outside your home. A number of retailers sell plastic teal pumpkins. Some of the items you can substitute for candy are:
- Glow sticks, bracelets, or necklaces
- Pencils, pens, crayons or markers
- Bubbles
- Halloween erasers or pencil toppers
- Whistles, kazoos, or noisemakers
- Bouncy balls
- Finger puppets, or novelty toys
-Spider rings
- Mini notepads
- Stickers and stencils