Help all kids enjoy trick-or-treating with non-food treats, learn all about the Teal Pumpkin Project.

Halloween is a holiday that kids look forward to all year! The talk of a costume seems to begin months ahead of time. Will they dress up as something traditional like a ghost, witch or goblin? Or, will their favorite character at the time be the winner? Once the costume has been decided comes the talk of candy! How much will they get? Where will they go trick-or-treating? Should they use a bag, bucket or pillow case? Which piece of candy will their parents steal and how much will they be allowed to eat on Halloween night? A night of dress up and candy, a child’s dream! Well for some…..

Candy is not an option for all children due to food allergies or other medical reasons, making Halloween a difficult time for many families. The Teal Pumpkin Project® aims to raise awareness about this and encourage non-food options to pass out.

The Teal Pumpkin Project is a movement driven by the Food Allergy Research and Education Organization that works to improve the lives of those with food allergies. The Teal Pumpkin Project promotes inclusion of all trick-or-treaters making Halloween a safe and fun holiday for all!

It is important to recognize that many candies have ingredients that are unsafe to those allergic, intolerant or suffer from a condition like celiac disease. Common allergens in candy include: milk, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, soy and wheat.

Allowing children to choose a non-food option is also a healthier choice regardless of food allergies. A great idea is to let children choose what they want so a bucket of candy to “Trick-or-Treat” OR a bucket of toys to “Trick-or-Prize.” It is important to keep candy and prizes separate.

Your local Dan's Supermarket has pumpkins ready for you to paint. Maybe grab one of the white pumpkins and paint the face in teal to make it easier! Shoppers can also find many general merchandise options to hand out from pencils to bubbles and stickers.

Teal is the new Orange! Watch this short YouTube Video to hear more! 

Getting involved is easy as one-two-three!

1. Place a teal pumpkin outside your door to identify that your home or office is allergy friendly. You can paint a pumpkin teal or print a picture of a teal pumpkin.
2. Have non-food treats available like stickers, temporary tattoos, bracelets and glow sticks.
3. Spread the word and make a child’s day! Get social with #tealpumpkinproject

Create a safe, happier Halloween for all! 

"This medical and/or nutritional information is not intended to be a substitute for individual advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition."

Louise Bilek – Healthy Foodie 
Louise is one of the Health & Wellness Specialist’s at SpartanNash who is also a Certified Health Coach and Personal Trainer. Louise is passionate about living well and teaching others, especially children, how to make healthy food choices and be physically active.