Large Corporations trying to profit from the Teal Pumpkin Project

So I need to vent… as Halloween is creeping closer, I have begun to see more companies advertising the Teal Pumpkin Project.  This is great news for families like ours who have a child or children with food allergies or special dietary needs. Unfortunately these same companies are also misrepresenting the Teal Pumpkin Project for their own financial gain by suggesting you participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project by offering non-food items and/or “allergy friendly treats” aka their products free of the top 8 allergens. 

No! No! No! That is not the point of the Teal Pumpkin Project! There are more allergens out there than just the top 8! The entire idea behind the Teal Pumpkin Project is so all children can go out and have a fun and safe Halloween experience and come home with treats they can enjoy. I hate seeing corporations taking a good thing and manipulating it for their own gain. As time goes by, and hopefully this project becomes more main stream, I think it’s important to remind everyone if you decide to participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project to please offer non-food treats because unfortunately there is not a single piece of food that is safe to offer that everyone. If you would like more information about the Teal Pumpkin Project please visit https://www.foodallergy.org/teal-pumpkin-project#.WAAAtogrKUk.

Want to participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project, but need some ideas for non – food treats? Try these:

·         Bouncy Balls

·         Bubbles

·         Fake Spiders/Snakes

·         Glow Sticks

·         Mini Notepads

·         Mini Slinkys

·         Noise Makers

·         Pens/Pencils/Earsers

·         Play Dough/Slim

·         Playing Cards

·         Rings/Bracelets/Necklaces

·         Stencils/Stamps

·         Stickers

·         Temporary Tattoos

·         Vampire Teeth

·         Yo-Yos

For more ideas check out the Party Section at your local Wal-Mart, Target, or Hobby Lobby or the Piñata Section at your local party store such as Party City.  Oriental Trading Company also had some great ideas.