Leading Food Allergy Organizations Join in Support of the Teal Pumpkin Project

This Halloween across America, teal pumpkins will signal safe treats for trick-or-treaters with food allergies as part of the Teal Pumpkin Project, an awareness initiative that we are thrilled to announce is jointly supported this year by FARE, Allergy & Asthma Network, American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, CURED Foundation, End Allergies Together, Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team, Food Allergy Fund, FPIES Foundation, International FPIES Association and Red Sneakers for Oakley.

Over the past four years, households from every state have participated in the Teal Pumpkin Project, which encourages people to place a teal pumpkin in front of their home to show they have non-food treats available for children with food allergies and medically-necessary dietary restrictions.

“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. “Participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project has a collective impact, bringing people together to provide a more inclusive trick-or-treating experience for all. We are excited this year to join forces with other food allergy organizations who share our commitment to keeping children with food allergies safe and included and hope to see a teal pumpkin on every block in America.”

FARE is grateful for the support of the national food allergy organizations who have joined in this initiative.

"Halloween is the perfect time to ensure that every child feels included & special. By participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project you can make this a reality for the 6 million kids living with life threatening food allergies. Allergy & Asthma Network is happy to collaborate so that every block in America has at least one home where if even for a moment, all children feel safe & welcome to trick or treat." –Tonya Winders, president and CEO, Allergy & Asthma Network

“For children with dietary restrictions due to a medical condition, such as for eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases, Halloween can be anything but a treat! That is why APFED is pleased to support the Teal Pumpkin Project, an initiative that focuses on the inclusion of children with special diets who trick-or-treat. This powerful campaign also raises awareness of food aversions during Halloween, which is appreciated by the thousands of families who struggle to follow medically-necessary diets each day.”–Mary Jo Strobel, executive director, American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders

“The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) stands with our food allergy partners to protect the health and safety of children during Halloween. The Holiday season, from now through the new year, poses threats to millions of kids trying to manage food allergies. That’s why AAFA serves as a source for education, advocacy, and support in navigating the dangers of the disease. We applaud those participating in this important awareness project and encourage more to join and safeguard our youth with food allergies.”– Kenneth Mendez, president & CEO, AAFA

“In an effort to support non-food treats for Halloween, FAACT has partnered with WalMart again for FAACT's Teal Ghost Non-Food Fun initiative of raising awareness in the U.S. and Canada, especially during the Halloween season when food allergy concerns are at one of its highest peaks. It doesn't have to always be about the treats when there are plenty of non-food fun treats at every WalMart in the U.S. and Canada."– Eleanor Garrow-Holding, president and CEO, FAACT

"The Food Allergy Fund is proud to join the food allergy community to raise awareness about the importance of inclusivity this Halloween season. Until we know the cause or have a cure for food allergies, holidays will continue to be tough for children who need to avoid their allergens to prevent a life-threatening reaction. This is why we are committed to funding scientific research to determine the underlying causes of food allergies and improved treatments for those living with them." – Ilana Golant, founder and CEO, the Food Allergy Fund

"The FPIES Foundation is pleased to continue our participation and support for The Teal Pumpkin Project. Individuals living with Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome and their families are appreciative of this program which helps celebrate Halloween together as a family where the focus can be taken off food and kept on the fun!"– Joy Meyer, co-director, FPIES Foundation

“Red Sneakers for Oakley proudly supports the Teal Pumpkin Project as a way to raise awareness of food allergies and help all children feel included and safe during Halloween.”– Merrill Debbs, co-founder of Red Sneakers for Oakley

“The International FPIES Association is excited to join families and partner organizations in shining a spotlight on food allergies and promoting inclusion this Halloween by going teal. The Teal Pumpkin Project is making the Halloween season safer and more magical for kids with FPIES (Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome) and all children living with food allergies.” - Fallon Schultz, Founder and President, International FPIES Association

The Teal Pumpkin Project was inspired by a local awareness activity run by the Food Allergy Community of East Tennessee.

For free resources, to add to your home to the Teal Pumpkin Project and more, please visit www.tealpumpkinproject.org.