Going trick-or-treating on Halloween is the moment of joy for many children in America. However, for the children with food allergies, Halloween becomes a rather difficult day.
Allowing children with allergies to experience the joys of Halloween is important, which is why the Teal Pumpkin Project, run by Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), is going on its second year nationally, according to the website North Jersey.com.
"Food allergies can be life-threatening and they affect 1 in 13 children in the United States, so the chances are there’s a child in your neighborhood or on your block who is living with this disease every day," said Veronica LaFemina of FARE.
“By communities and households participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project, you’re helping those kids have a safe Halloween experience, a happy Halloween experience just like their friends."
The Teal Pumpkin Project encourages those handing out non-food items to trick-or-treaters to place a teal pumpkin outside their homes so children with allergies and their parents know the treats are safe, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Since the debut of the Teal Pumpkin Project last year, many families have been participating in the movement.
Teal pumpkins outside a house mean they're giving out non-food treats for kids w/ allergies. http://t.co/dDAia5i1h4 pic.twitter.com/cpy3lYSxDJ
— 102.7 The PEAK (@ThePEAK) October 16, 2015
“We've been thrilled to see just how many people nationwide and in other countries, actually, have been participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project,” explained LaFemina.
“This year we already have households from all 50 states signed up to participate."
More than 10,000 people from all 50 states and five countries outside of the United States have reportedly signed an online pledge to participate in the project this year.
“We want all kids to enjoy the holiday, and it’s not about the candy, it’s about the experience," stated Bari Adler, mother of Russell Adler, who has food allergies.
