When I was six years old I found out that I was allergic to artificial food colorings.

Yes, I lived a childhood without fun dip, fruit roll-ups, and rainbow sprinkles. It is challenging to navigate the artificial, blue waters of this allergy, but this May it became even more difficult as my allergies took a new turn, and I was diagnosed with 26 new food allergies. It is hard to explain to someone the daily anxiety that accompanies something as simple and routine as eating outside of your home.

There is no spontaneity with food allergies; each day is based around planning your next meal. Halloween can be a chore for those who suffer from allergies. For me, it was always the holiday that accentuated my differences because unlike my friends, I could not eat the candy I was collecting. Instead, resting on my kitchen counter was a bag of allergy friendly treats that awaited my arrival. I can attest that there is no excitement from collecting candy you cannot eat. The Teal Pumpkin Project helps creates a safer, happier Halloween for the 15 million Americans who have food allergies, as well as others with dietary restrictions. You have the ability to make Halloween a holiday of inclusion for all children by participating in FARE’s Teal Pumpkin Project, where you offer non-food treats for trick-or-treaters. To indicate your participation all you need to do is print out a free sign from FARE’S website and post it on your door (pictured below).

Alternatively, if you have the time you can place a teal colored pumpkin outside your door. Party City has a Teal Pumpkin Project Paint Kit that is only $3.99 (pictured below).

I know some of you may feel a sentimental connection to the tradition of Halloween candy, which I completely understand. The goal of this project is to promote inclusion through providing trick-or-treaters with the option of inexpensive non-food treats; there is absolutely no need to rid Halloween of the candy tradition. These non-food treats should not be any more expensive than the cost of Halloween candy. I would suggest buying goodies from Five Below, The Dollar Store, or even Walmart. Glow sticks, crayons, vampire rings, Halloween pencil toppers, temporary tattoos, stickers, or even bubbles are some easy items I would search for. For more detailed information about the Teal Pumpkin Project visit foodallergy.org.

         Help make Halloween an inclusive holiday!