Teal Pumpkin Project: Making Halloween Inclusive for All Children

If you’ve noticed teal-colored pumpkins appearing on neighborhood porches during Halloween in recent years, you’re witnessing a compassionate movement that’s transforming trick-or-treating into a more inclusive experience for all children. Unlike the traditional orange pumpkins that have decorated doorsteps for generations, these distinctive teal gourds carry a special message of welcome and safety. They represent a growing awareness that Halloween should be a celebration every child can enjoy without fear or exclusion. As more families embrace this simple yet meaningful gesture, communities across the country are discovering that inclusion doesn’t require grand efforts—sometimes, it just takes a can of paint and a generous heart.

What Does a Teal Pumpkin Mean?

The teal pumpkin serves as a simple yet powerful signal that a household is participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project, an initiative created by Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) in 2014. This grassroots movement began when a Tennessee mother started painting pumpkins teal—the official color of food allergy awareness—to help her own child with severe allergies feel included during Halloween festivities. The idea rapidly gained momentum through social media, and within just a few years, it evolved into a nationwide phenomenon that now reaches millions of families.

When you display a teal pumpkin on your porch, you’re essentially hanging out a welcome sign that tells trick-or-treaters and their parents that your home offers non-food treats alongside or instead of traditional candy. This visual cue allows families managing food allergies to identify safe houses at a glance, eliminating the anxiety of wondering whether their children will be able to accept treats at each door. Furthermore, it opens up conversations about inclusivity and teaches all children that communities thrive when everyone considers the needs of others.

Why the Teal Pumpkin Project Matters

The Reality of Food Allergies in Children

Food allergies affect approximately 1 in 13 children in the United States, which means that in an average classroom, at least two children are navigating the daily challenges of avoiding potentially life-threatening ingredients. These aren’t just minor sensitivities or preferences—food allergies can trigger severe reactions called anaphylaxis, which can cause difficulty breathing, dangerous drops in blood pressure, and even death within minutes of exposure. The most common allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish, and many of these ingredients appear in the vast majority of Halloween candy.

Additionally, parents of allergic children must remain constantly vigilant, reading every label and questioning every ingredient. A single bite of the wrong candy can send a child to the emergency room, making Halloween—a holiday centered entirely around collecting and eating treats—particularly stressful. While other children excitedly sort through their loot and trade candies with friends, children with food allergies often face the disappointing reality that most of their haul is off-limits. Consequently, what should be a magical evening of fun and excitement becomes a night filled with caution and potential danger.

How to Participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project

Setting Up Your Teal Pumpkin Display

Participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project is remarkably simple and requires minimal effort or expense. You can easily paint a real pumpkin with teal acrylic or spray paint, which typically costs just a few dollars at any craft store. Alternatively, many retailers now sell pre-painted teal pumpkins, plastic teal pumpkins, or even teal pumpkin buckets during the Halloween season, making it even more convenient to join the movement. If painting isn’t your preference, FARE offers free printable signs on their website that you can display in your window or tape to your door.

Once you’ve secured your teal pumpkin, place it prominently on your porch, steps, or wherever trick-or-treaters can easily spot it from the sidewalk. Good visibility is crucial because parents scanning the neighborhood for safe houses need to identify participating homes quickly. Additionally, you can register your address on FARE’s interactive Teal Pumpkin Project map, which allows families to plan their trick-or-treating routes in advance and identify welcoming homes in their area. This extra step takes only a minute but significantly helps families who depend on these resources to ensure their children can participate safely in Halloween festivities.

Non-Candy Alternatives: Creative Treats That Everyone Can Enjoy

Small toys, trinkets, and practical items offer the perfect combination of excitement and safety, giving children something tangible to enjoy without any food-related concerns. These alternatives appeal to various age groups and provide lasting value rather than disappearing in minutes like candy does. Here are popular non-candy options that consistently delight trick-or-treaters:

Small Toys and Trinkets

Arts and Crafts Supplies

Practical Items Kids Want

Frequently Asked Questions