For most kids Halloween is a treat, but for those with dietary restrictions, including food allergies, it can be quite the opposite. We have gathered up three ways to help your child feel included, have fun, and stay safe this Halloween.

1. Teal Pumpkin Project –

Have you seen doorsteps sporting blue pumpkins this October? If a house has a teal pumpkin on the doorstep, they are participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project. This means the house will have non-food items to promote inclusion for kids with dietary restrictions. Instead of getting a piece of candy to add to their bag, a child would get a pencil, glow sticks, stickers, bouncy balls, etc. Look for teal pumpkins in your neighborhood or find them on the map.

If you would like to be a house that participates in the Teal Pumpkin Project, all you need to do is purchase non-food treats, put a teal pumpkin on your doorstep, add your home to the map, and share with others. Head to the Teal Pumpkin Project to get more ideas of non-food treats to share. 

2. Trick or Treat for Charity –

Trick or treating is fun, but it can be even more fun if you get to put a smile on someone else’s face by donating to a good cause. There are two different ways you could trick or treat for charity. 

1. Trick or Treat for UNICEF – When you Trick or Treat for UNICEF, UNICEF sends you a donation box to take along while you trick or treat. Children can ask houses to donate their spare change. Donations provide health care, education, emergency relief, and so much more. Donation boxes must be ordered by October 14, 2019 if you plan to participate. 
2. Collect candy to give to others – if your child is able to safely eat certain candies, they can keep the ones that are safe and donate the rest. Your child could donate all the candy they collect as well. 
   • Operation Shoebox: Operation Shoebox is a non profit that collects candy and redistributes them in care packages to veterans/soldiers in the US and overseas. Candy should be individually wrapped and heat resistant depending on warm weather. 
   • Ronald McDonald House: Some Ronald McDonald Houses collect candy for children. Check with your local chapter and see if they are accepting Halloween candy this year.

3. Start your Own Event –

Chances are if you are in search of a safe way for your child to trick or treat, other families are too. Organize your own teal pumpkin project initiative in your neighborhood, start an allergy free trunk or treat. If you are not comfortable spearheading something on your own reach out to other families who are in the same boat. 

We hope these ideas have inspired you to make this Halloween one to remember! 

*Always check your child’s candy whether or not they have dietary restrictions. We have fond memories of sorting through Halloween candy at the kitchen table and dad always sneaking a few pieces. 🙂