Food allergy concerns have now entered the Halloween zone and Trick-or-Treating children with food allergies have a new symbol to look for when they’re going door-to-door on Halloween night – a teal pumpkin.
The Teal Pumpkin Project, which launched in the United States last year and has begun catching on in Canada, indicates a household that has non-food options available for children with food allergies who aren’t able to enjoy the traditional candy treat.
Official from the Teal Pumpkin Project say there are 2.5 million people in Canada who are affected by food allergies and more than 300,000 of them are children,making it a growing public health issue that we don’t have a cure for and avoiding what you are allergic to is key.
The teal pumpkins have become a symbol of allergy awareness intended to promote inclusion of all trick-or-treaters. Homes that display the pumpkins offer non-food alternatives like pencils, stickers or comic books.
“We are thrilled to see so many households and families joining in this positive effort to create a safer, happier Halloween for all,” said Veronica LaFemina, Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) vice-president.
FARE is aiming to have 100,000 households worldwide to participate in the project this year. Homeowners can also display a Teal Pumpkin Project poster in their windows to show they are participating.
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