The Teal Pumpkin Project: Making Halloween Safe & Fun for All

Every fall, front porches across the Rocket City start sprouting jack-o’-lanterns, hay bales, and plenty of orange. But tucked in among the usual autumn décor, you may notice something a little different: bright teal pumpkins. They aren’t just a trendy color choice. (Although we do love the color teal!) They’re part of the Teal Pumpkin Project, a nationwide movement that’s changing Halloween for families with food allergies.

Where It All Began

The Teal Pumpkin Project started in Tennessee in 2012 when one parent decided to make trick-or-treating safer and more inclusive. Knowing that many Halloween candies contain common allergens like peanuts, milk, or wheat, this mom painted a pumpkin teal—the color of food allergy awareness—and placed it on her porch to signal that she had non-food treats available. The idea spread quickly, and by 2014, Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) launched the Teal Pumpkin Project nationwide. Today, you can find teal pumpkins, buckets, and décor in major retailers like Target and Michaels, making it easier than ever for families to participate. CVS also great selection of items.

Why It Matters

Food allergies are on the rise, and for many children, they can be life-threatening. Known as the “Big 9,” the top food allergies include:
– Milk
– Eggs
– Peanuts
– Tree nuts
– Soy
– Wheat
– Fish
– Shellfish
– Sesame

For kids managing these allergies, trick-or-treating can feel scary. As a parent, letting your kid do something as innocent as enjoying Halloween with friends can come with feelings of guilt and anxiety. The Teal Pumpkin Project takes away the fear of “What if I can’t have this?” and replaces it with the joy of “What fun surprise will I get?” It’s about inclusion, awareness, and making sure every child has a chance to fully join in the holiday.

How Families Can Participate

The beauty of the Teal Pumpkin Project is that it’s simple. Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Put out a teal pumpkin.
Paint one yourself or pick one up at the store. Place it on your porch so families know you’re offering allergy-friendly fun.

Step 2: Choose non-food goodies.
Kids love trinkets just as much as candy. Stock up on items like:
– Glow sticks and bracelets (these are ALWAYS a big hit!)
– Stickers and temporary tattoos
– Bouncy balls
– Vampire teeth
– Spider rings
– Mini notebooks or pencils
– Silly straws
– Crazy glasses

(Parent note: Skip Play-Doh if you can (it contains wheat) and be mindful of latex, which can also be an allergy trigger.)

CVS and Dollar Tree are great places for grabbing some items!

Step 3: Separate your bowls.
If you still want to hand out candy, great! Just keep it in a different bowl from your toys and trinkets so kids can safely choose.

Step 4: Spread the word.
Add your address to the official Teal Pumpkin Project map, print free posters and coloring sheets from FARE’s website, and share your pumpkin on social media with the hashtag #TealPumpkinProject. The more families who know, the easier it is for kids with allergies to plan a safe route.

Parent Pro-Tips from the RCM Community

– When kids arrive, ask, “Candy or prize?” and let them choose.
– Use teal buckets or bins to keep toys separate (bonus: they make cute décor!).
– Place a sign or yard stake by your pumpkin so neighbors who aren’t familiar with the project can learn what it means.
– Remember, these toys aren’t just for kids with allergies. Every child who comes to your door can choose a treat, which keeps things fun and inclusive.

Halloween Parties & Special Events in Huntsville and Madison County (Coming Soon!)

A Tradition Worth Keeping

Halloween is meant to be magical, full of costumes, candy, and community fun. For children with food allergies, though, the holiday can feel scary in all the wrong ways. By adding a teal pumpkin to your porch, you’re sending a powerful message: all kids belong here.

It doesn’t take much—just a few small toys, a teal pumpkin, and a willingness to be part of something bigger. And when you see the excitement on a child’s face as they pick out a glow stick or sticker, you’ll know you’ve helped make Halloween just a little brighter, a little safer, and a lot more fun.