Next Friday night as I put our Teal Pumpkin outside on my front steps, I will say a silent prayer of thanks to a mom I have never met, in a state far from my own, who decided to share a simple but wonderful idea.

What was her idea?   Place a teal pumpkin on your doorstep to let trick-or-treaters know that you provide non-food treats.

“We did not wish to exclude candy but instead wanted to add another option of a safe alternative to be available,” states Becky Basalone of FACET.

Because of Becky Basalone and the Food Allergy Community of East Tennessee (FACET), the entire food allergy community now has a common gesture to bring us all together.  Thanks to the marketing muscle of Food Allergy Research & Education, the most amazing part of this campaign is that it has reached beyond our tight-knit food allergy community out to the general public.  It has united neighborhoods, schools, and towns in a way no other food allergy movement has.  From the farmer in Tennessee that decided to sell teal pumpkins, to my cousin in Ohio that chose to join in for no other reason but to support children with food allergies, this project has reached far and wide all in the name of inclusion.

“We want to raise awareness of food allergies and other dietary issues that may restrict/limit certain food products, like candy, due to health risk,” explains Becky.  However, this project has become more than a campaign to raise awareness.  It has made me us all a part of something much larger than ourselves.  By putting out a teal pumpkin, we are sending a very clear message to all children: “WE CARE ABOUT YOU.”  I cannot think of a better message can we send this Halloween.

To join the movement on facebook, click HERE.

For free flyers and posters visit Food Allergy Research and Education.

For a list of non-food rewards from Kids with Food Allergies, click here.