When you think of typical Halloween colors, you likely think of orange and black. But this Halloween be on the lookout for some oddly-coloured pumpkins on the doorsteps of Langdon homes. Teal pumpkins will be sprouting up on lawns and driveways throughout the community so make sure that everyone gets to enjoy this spooky holiday.
The Teal Pumpkin Project™ raises awareness of food allergies and promotes a safer, happier Halloween by encouraging households to make non-food treats available so that trick-or-treaters who need to avoid candy – due to food allergies or other reasons – can fully participate. Households can show they are participating by placing a teal pumpkin in front of their home.
Food allergy is a serious medical condition affecting approximately 1 in 13 children. Special days, such as Halloween, often make children that suffer with a food allergy feel left out. Initiatives like the Teal Pumpkin Project are built on the passion of wanting to include everyone in these special events.
The project has come to Langdon thanks to the work of several families with dietary concerns at Sarah Thompson School. Event organizer Lisa Baker discusses the project, “This year several families have come together at Sarah Thompson School to increase awareness of food allergies and other dietary concerns. Thanks to welcoming and cooperative staff, we are able to bring a number of fun awareness projects to the school. The Teal Pumpkin Project, brought to life by Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), is an international phenomenon that we are excited to be a part of”.
Last year, households from 8 countries participated in the Teal Pumpkin Project™. This year, FARE expects an even bigger movement!
Here’s what you can do to participate:
• Have some non-food items available on October 31 (You can still offer food treats too).
• Paint a pumpkin teal and put it on display. You can also download free posters at www.tealpumpkinproject.org to hang on your windows and doors.
• You may choose to place your home on a crowd map sponsored by FARE. It can be accessed here http://www.foodallergy.org/teal-pumpkin-project/map. This map helps families plan their Halloween route.
“The TEAL PUMPKIN PROJECT and the Teal Pumpkin Image are trademarks of Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE).”
