Teal Pumpkins Mean Understanding and Safety
October 25, 2018
By Mark Mozingo
Halloween kicks off the holiday season and for most families, it is a fun, active time. But for some, especially the families in our special needs community, it becomes more of a minefield of navigating their child’s food allergies and sensory issues while finding ways to enjoy the fun.
Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) launched a Teal Pumpkin Project worldwide to create a safer, happier Halloween for all children. The movement encourages homeowners to put a teal pumpkin on their porches and provide non-food treats, such as glow sticks or small toys. This simple act promotes inclusion for trick or treaters with food allergies or other conditions.
Participating is simple and can be a fun family activity. Paint a pumpkin teal, or buy one at any number of national retailers, and place it in front of your home to show you have non-food treats available. Talk to your children about food allergies and the impact they can have on other children.
The Teal Pumpkin Project was inspired by a local awareness activity run by the Food Allergy Community of East Tennessee.
Interested in participating? Add your home to the Teal Pumpkin Project Map at www.tealpumpkinproject.org. and share this effort with your family and friends.
“The number of children with food allergies as well as the number of anaphylactic reactions to food have risen dramatically over the last 20 years, and the prevalence of other diseases that cause adverse reactions to food continues to grow, as well,” said FARE CEO Lisa Gable.
Every parent wants their child to be safe but also to feel included. Participating in this worldwide effort is a great way to help your children understand the dangers of food allergies while promoting acceptance and inclusion.
Looking for other home tips or have a real estate question? I’m Mark Mozingo and I’m right at home helping you find the way! Contact me today at MarkMozingo.com or (803) 665-3333.
