Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) and CVS Pharmacy Announce HALO Award for the Teal Pumpkin Project Campaign
The Teal Pumpkin Project promotes safety and inclusion for those managing food allergies during Halloween
McLEAN, Va. — May 16, 2024 — FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education), the leading nonprofit organization engaged in food allergy education and advocacy—and the largest provider of charitable support for food allergy research in the U.S.—together with CVS Pharmacy, part of the Pharmacy & Consumer Wellness division of CVS Health, the leading health solutions company, delivering care like no one else can, today announced that the Teal Pumpkin Project has been selected as a HALO Award recipient in the category of Best Disability Initiative.
The category recognizes initiatives that “increase access to resources, raise visibility for challenges the community faces, change policies and systems to serve people with disabilities better.”
The HALO Awards annually honor “corporate and nonprofit partnerships that skillfully intertwine their resources to have a measurable impact on the cause and the business.”
FARE has scaled the Teal Pumpkin Project for more than a decade from a local grassroots effort to a nationwide movement, raising awareness of food allergies and creating a safer, more inclusive Halloween for all trick-or-treaters. As part of the program, FARE encourages the availability of non-food treats such as small toys in addition to more traditional candy at school events and in neighborhoods. Those participating place a teal pumpkin on their doorsteps, letting trick-or-treaters know that non-food treats are available which serves to advance awareness of food allergies.
CVS Pharmacy joined the project as the exclusive retail partner in 2022, increasing the initiative’s impact by making convenient and affordable food-allergy-safe items available in CVS Pharmacy stores and online during the Halloween season.
“The goal of the Teal Pumpkin Project is to transform Halloween into an inclusive holiday for those living with the disease of food allergy,” said Sung Poblete, PhD, RN, CEO of FARE. “The collaboration with CVS Pharmacy has extended the Teal Pumpkin Project platform to more families impacted by food allergies and provided new ways to celebrate Halloween with non-food items now a definitive part of the holiday. We’re proud to be recognized with our partner CVS Pharmacy as a HALO Awards recipient.”
“Our partnership with FARE is a unique opportunity to provide meaningful support to the families in our communities who are impacted by food allergies,” said Brian Eason, Vice President of General Merchandise and Consumables, CVS Health. “We’re proud of the of the role we’ve been able to play in the Teal Pumpkin Project to foster inclusivity while also helping bring awareness to FARE's mission and are excited to continue to make an impact through our work with FARE.”
In addition to promoting the inclusion of non-food items alongside standard Halloween treats, FARE maintains a map that includes participating homes, events and CVS Pharmacy stores as a resource for families.
For more information about the Teal Pumpkin Project, please visit here, for more information about the HALO Awards, please visit here.
About CVS Pharmacy
CVS Pharmacy is part of the Pharmacy & Consumer Wellness division of CVS Health, one of America’s most trusted health care solutions brands serving five million Americans in community health locations each day, and connecting with 50 million digital customers when, where and how they want. CVS Pharmacy is America's leading retail pharmacy with more than 9,000 locations, including over 1,700 pharmacies inside of Target and Schnucks grocery stores. We offer thousands of products, including over-the-counter medications, beauty items, and better-for-you food options, and deliver innovative health solutions that create a simpler, more accessible experience for patients, customers and caregivers. CVS Pharmacy is the only national pharmacy to remove tobacco products from its shelves and took a leading role in the COVID-19 pandemic response by making testing, treatment and vaccinations available at locations across the United States. For the latest product and service offerings, visit www.cvs.com or download the CVS Pharmacy app.
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About FARE
FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) is the nation’s leading non-profit engaged in food allergy advocacy and the largest food allergy charity supporting research. FARE’s innovative education, advocacy and research initiatives transform the future of food allergy through new and improved treatments and prevention strategies, effective policies and legislation, and novel approaches to managing the disease. To learn more, visit: foodallergy.org.