Teal Pumpkin Project: Making Halloween Safer & More Inclusive for All Kids
Halloween is one of the most anticipated holidays of the year, especially for children. The costumes, decorations, and the thrill of trick-or-treating create lasting memories. But for millions of families, Halloween also brings stress and worry. For children with food allergies, celiac disease, diabetes, or other dietary restrictions, the traditional candy-focused celebration can feel isolating or even dangerous.
That’s where the Teal Pumpkin Project® comes in. Launched by Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), this nationwide initiative encourages households to offer non-food treats for trick-or-treaters. By placing a teal-colored pumpkin on your porch or doorstep, you signal to families that you have safe alternatives to candy, allowing every child to enjoy the fun of Halloween. You can also print out a Teal Pumkin Logo from Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) website.
What Is the Teal Pumpkin Project?
The concept is simple: a teal pumpkin outside your home means you’re offering non-food goodies like glow sticks, stickers, bubbles, small toys, or pencils. It doesn’t mean you have to skip candy altogether—you can still hand out chocolate or gummies—but by providing non-food options, you’re ensuring that children with dietary restrictions don’t feel left out.
The project started small in 2014 and has since grown into a movement recognized across the U.S. and around the world. The teal pumpkin has become a symbol of inclusion, safety, and community spirit.
Making A Difference
1. Safety First
Food allergies are on the rise. About 1 in 13 children in the U.S. has a food allergy, which equates to roughly two kids in every classroom. Many Halloween candies contain common allergens like peanuts, tree nuts, milk, egg, soy, sesame, or wheat. Even trace amounts can cause severe, potentially life-threatening reactions. By offering non-food treats, families can participate without fear.
2. Inclusion and Belonging
Every child deserves to experience the joy of trick-or-treating, for children who can’t eat candy—whether because of allergies, celiac disease, or health-related restrictions—the night can feel unfair. A teal pumpkin sends the message: You are welcome here. You belong. We thought of you. That gesture of kindness can make all the difference.
3. Community Awareness
The teal pumpkin is more than just a decoration. It sparks conversations and raises awareness about food allergies. Neighbors who may not have thought about these issues before begin to understand the importance of inclusivity, and communities become more supportive and connected.
How to Get Involved
Participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project is easy, and it doesn’t have to cost much. Here are simple ways to make a difference this Halloween:
Display a Teal Pumpkin: Place a teal pumpkin on your porch, window, or doorstep to let families know you have non-food treats. You can paint a pumpkin teal, buy a pre-painted one, or even print a free sign from FARE’s website.
Stock Non-Food Treats: Dollar stores, party stores, and online retailers offer inexpensive trinkets like glow sticks, bracelets, stickers, spider rings, and bouncy balls. Buy in bulk to keep it simple and affordable.
Spread the Word: Share the idea with neighbors, schools, and community groups. Post a photo of your teal pumpkin on social media with the hashtag #TealPumpkinProject to inspire others.
Combine Treats: If you’d like, you can offer candy and non-food items, keeping them in separate bowls to avoid cross-contamination.
Where to Find Teal Pumpkins
You don’t have to be crafty to join in—many retailers now sell teal pumpkins. Stores like CVS, Target, Walmart, Michaels, Lowe’s, and Amazon stock teal pumpkins and related décor each fall. You can also paint your own for a fun family project.
A Small Gesture, A Big Impact
The Teal Pumpkin Project transforms Halloween from a candy-centered holiday into a celebration that truly includes every child. For families managing food allergies or dietary restrictions, that teal pumpkin on a neighbor’s porch can mean the difference between a stressful night and a joyful one.
By participating, you’re not just handing out trinkets—you’re handing out acceptance, understanding, and a sense of belonging. And that’s a treat every child deserves.