Those orange plastic pumpkins may be a regular part of trick-or-treating, but one group is hoping that people handing out candy will consider investing in a teal pumpkin as well.
The Teal Pumpkin Project asks people to put out nonfood items in teal-colored pumpkins so that kids with food allergies also can participate in the Halloween tradition.
Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) is a nonprofit group that supports the estimated one in 13 children in the U.S. who have a potentially life-threatening food allergy. The Teal Pumpkin Project launched in 2012 to prompt homeowners to provide items such as stickers, small toys, puzzles and books in a separate container — preferably a teal pumpkin — so that trick-or-treaters can take an item they know is safe on Halloween.
"The number of children with food allergies has risen dramatically over the past 20 years, and the Teal Pumpkin Project brings the community together to ensure a safe and inclusive Halloween for all trick-or-treaters," FARE President and CEO Lisa Gable said in a news release.