Help create a safer, happier Halloween with the Teal Pumpkin Project

You may have seen teal-painted pumpkins decking out a neighbor’s porch, or teal pumpkin signage on front doors and staked in yards. These are welcome Halloween decorations for the nearly 15 million Americans living with food allergies. It’s all part of a nationwide effort called the Teal Pumpkin Project, and it’s designed to create a safer Halloween for all.

What Do Teal Pumpkins mean?

Placing a teal pumpkin (the color of food allergy awareness) outside your home means that non-edible items are available for trick-or-treaters with food allergies. In addition to peanut allergies, other common food allergies include wheat, eggs, milk, tree nuts, and soy—all of which may be found in a variety of popular Halloween candies. Participants in the Teal Pumpkin Project, however, offer items such as glow sticks, crayons, stickers, spider rings, stencils, and bubbles instead of chocolate and candies.

It’s a way of helping all kids feel included in the Halloween fun. It’s also OK to still pass out candy to kids without food allergies. Just remember to keep the edible treats in a separate container. 

How to Get Involved

It’s easy. Simply paint a pumpkin teal and place it visibly in your front yard for trick-or-treaters to see. Some people even like to host teal pumpkin painting parties as a way to get friends and neighbors involved.

Then stock up on a variety of non-edible items to offer kids. Alternatively, you can visit FoodAllergy.org and print free signage to place in your yard, rather than painting a pumpkin. The website also offers free flyers and educational materials to help you spread the word and have a happy, healthy, and safe Halloween.

 

Coconut and Caramel Popcorn

All you need

•1/3 cup So Delicious® French Vanilla Coconut Milk Creamer

•1/2 cup unpopped kernels (10 cups popcorn)

•1/2 cup vegan butter (Earth Balance Soy Free Spread)

•3 Tbsp agave nectar, amber

•1/2 cup dark brown sugar

•1/2 Tbsp cinnamon

•1/4 tsp salt

•1/4 cup dried coconut flakes, unsweetened, toasted

•1 tsp vanilla

All you do

1. Pop favorite popcorn from yellow corn kernels over stove top or use favorite microwave popcorn brand. Spread on baking sheet and set aside.

2. In a saucepan, melt vegan spread and stir in the agave, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until dissolved.

3. Take the pan off the heat and slowly whisk in the creamer until well combined. Return to heat, and continue to whisk for 10 minutes or until sauce reaches an amber color and thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

4. Stir in coconut flakes and vanilla. Let cool slightly before drizzling over popcorn.

5. Drizzle mixture over popcorn and blend in with a spatula. Serve immediately.

Source: www.kidswithfoodallergies.org

Nutrition Facts per serving: 162 calories; 9 g total fat; 1.5 g sat fat; 0 g trans; 0 mg cholesterol; 18 g carbohydrate; 12 g sugar; 5 g protein; 2 g fiber; 75 mg sodium.

Information not intended to be medical advice. Please contact a licensed healthcare provider for individual advice.