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Have you noticed any pumpkins around town that don’t look like your usual pumpkin? You may be wondering if there are even vines out there producing teal pumpkins. That would be pretty cool, right? We’re sorry to break it to you but there is no such thing as a teal pumpkin patch. Those teal pumpkins that have been seeing are actually being painted that color.
Although the teal is a very stylish color, painting pumpkins isn’t just a new fad. It’s more of a movement. Teal is the color of food allergy awareness.
A teal pumpkin represents that a house is food allergy friendly. The idea of a teal pumpkin is to raise awareness of food allergies; the goal is to promote inclusion of all trick-or-treaters throughout the Halloween season.
One in thirteen children in the U.S. has a food allergy.That means that there are millions of kids out there who are not able to enjoy Halloween like the rest of us. This often excludes them from the party. Along with children with food allergies, there are kids with food intolerances, celiac disease, and other special diets that get left out as well.
The Teal Pumpkin Project was inspired by a local awareness activity in Tennessee. Following the success the project had in Tennessee, FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education) launched a national campaign in 2014. The project is now in its third year and it’s looking to be the campaign’s biggest year yet –reaching over all states across the country.
Absolutely not – giving out candy is still okay. The goal is to ensure that children with food sensitivities have an option too. The Teal Pumpkin’s Project’s goal is NOT to kill the tradition of Halloween; it is to ensure that everyone can enjoy the holiday.
It’s easy! Pick up some toys, and place a teal pumpkin in front of your home. This is a sign to trick-or-treaters that you offer non-food treats as well.
Get the entire neighborhood involved! Ask your friends and neighbors to join in on the fun! It doesn’t have to be a chore. Create fun get-togethers around painting teal pumpkins!
Now that you know some pumpkins come in teal, join in on the Halloween festivities!