Teal Pumpkin Project – Teal is the new Orange! – Help save God’s children by not giving them allergen-containing treats, but other gifts instead. Plus raising awareness of food allergies during Trick or Treats or Trunk or Treats. Did you know that 1 in 13 children have a form of food allergy? #TealPumpkinProject #TealPumpkin #Halloween #Teal #FoodAllergies #FACET #FARE

Teal Pumpkin Project – Some Ideas for Non-Food Treats

This idea got its roots right here in East Tennessee, close to where I live.

A Teal Pumpkin tells those who are out Trick or Treating or Trunk or Treating that you cater to the Food Allergies. It got its starts from the Food Allergy Community of East Tennessee (FACET) based in Maryville, TN. That you won’t give out candy that has known allergens in them. Today food allergies effect a lot children. According to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), food allergies affect 1 in every 13 children in the U.S. Most people who do the Teal Pumpkin will give other things instead of candy or treats. They will give toys or glow sticks instead.

Why Teal you ask? Teal is the color of Food Allergy Awareness, similar to pink is the color of Breast Cancer Awareness and Orange is MS Awareness.

Along with a pumpkin pained teal, put out a sign that says you are giving out non-food treats. This will allow people to know you comply.

Help save God’s children by not giving them allergen containing treats.

Some ideas of things to hand out instead of candy. (Non-Food Treats). Giving these it can help make Halloween safer for all children.

Teal Pumpkin Project Gift Ideas

• Gospel Tracts (Children Appropriate & along with a gift listed below)
• Gospel John’s
• Bible Books
• Children’s Books (See Books for Treats)
• Glow Sticks
• Pencils
• Stickers
• Games
• Toys

• Bubbles
• Erasers
• Bracelets
• Necklaces
• Pens
• Crayons
• Markers
• Pencil Toppers
• Mini Slinkies
• Whistles
• Kazoos
• Noisemakers
• Bouncy Balls
• Finger Puppets
• Novelty Toys
• Coins
• Rings
• Fangs
• Mini Notepads
• Playing Cards
• Bookmarks
• Stencils
• Hot Wheels
• Plastic Jewelry
• Educational items
• Coloring books
• Craft Kits
• New Testament Bibles
• Gospel bracelets
• Wrapped Toothbrushes
• Party Favors
• Tiny Dolls
• & list can go on and on

If you know of anything I should add to this list, feel free to share in the comments below!

I dress up like a pirate and for trick or treats, I will have a pirate chest full of Teal Pumpkin Project items (non-food items).

Small Toy Caution

Note, use caution in some toys like play dough and latex items. These contain allergens. Also use caution with toys that have tiny parts as those can pose a choking hazard for really small children too.

Of course you still can give out candy, but make sure they are ones that don’t contain allergens, such as nuts, wheat, eggs, soy, shellfish, dairy, etc.

Another idea is to have two bowls one with non-allergen candies and the other with toys, trinkets etc like listed above. I am not trying to ban candy at all by this post. However, I am trying to raise awareness and offering an alternative to candy or allergen-containing products.

But, of course, you still can give the type of candy you choose, but if you do, I ask that you make a note if your treat contains a certain type of allergy that you have a sign stating that you do. Also if you choose to do the Teal Pumpkin route, that you also can put that sign up too.

Inspired Me

After seeing The Teal Pumpkin Project, in 2014, it inspired me. Instead of giving out candy at the Trunk or Treats, give out stuff like mention above. Of course, I will be handing out Gospel of John and Tracts along with those items.

Every since 2014, when it comes to Truck or Treats, I hand out different kinds of trinkets in a pirate chest. The kids love the Christian bracelets too! Most of the kids want to come back to my trunk and get another one. Giving little trinkets the kids can keep it longer than candy and don’t have to worry about food allergies!

So this is why Teal is the New Orange! Start going Teal for Halloween!

These same principles can be for birthday parties, parties at church or parties at school, not just Halloween time. But all the time!

Have you seen a teal pumpkin or heard of this? Do you have other ideas of what to hand out? Other feedback? I would love to hear from you.

Be sure to click share below and help raise awareness!

More information & sources visit:

• Food Allergy Community of East Tennessee (FACET)
• Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE)
• WBIR

#TealPumpkinProject #Halloween #Teal #FoodAllergies
_{First published October 21, 2014. Last Republished or updated October 13, 2021}

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About the Author

Steve Patterson

A Christian Blogger that enjoys blogging about the Bible, Theology, God, Jesus Christ, Christian Music, Family, Cats, Odd Holidays, sewing and much more. I have been blogging since 2004, however, I have been blogging on Courageous Christian Father since 2012. I enjoy listening to Christian Music. I am married with 1 daughter, 2 step-sons and a step daughter.

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