A national campaign aims to make Halloween safer for kids with food allergies.
“We really police what he consumes from his basket,” said parent Denis Davis.
Kids love to indulge in candy or chocolate, but unfortunately those special treats are off limits to kids with food allergies.
“My daughter has Prader-Willi syndrome, which is a genetic disorder where she can’t have sugar,” said teal pumpkin project participant Stacey Parnell.
The national campaign called ‘Teal Pumpkin Project’ is raising awareness and giving children the chance to take advantage of Halloween with other kids.
If you see a teal colored pumpkin in front of a home on Halloween, that means owners will not be handing out candy, but will offer different items for those trick-or-treating.
One family in the Pee Dee has participated for the last four years and says this gives their children a safer alternative.
“The teal pumpkin project tries to include the kids on Halloween. I remember when my son was younger, he would ask if homeowners provided candies without peanuts,” said teal pumpkin project participant Daniella Lada.
The project encourages community members to keep separate bowls for traditional candy and non-food treats.
“Instead of candy I give glow sticks, and stamps for the kids that come trick-or-treating here,” said Parnell.
If you would like to learn more about the Teal Pumpkin Project and see a map of participating homes near you, click here.