The teal pumpkin is a relatively new tradition that has emerged in recent years as a way to promote inclusion during Halloween. Specifically, it signifies houses that offer non-food treats or allergy-friendly options for trick-or-treaters with food allergies or other dietary restrictions. The teal pumpkin allows children with food allergies to fully participate in Halloween festivities without worry. This article will explore the origins of the teal pumpkin, how it spread in popularity, and its impact on Halloween traditions.
Origins of the Teal Pumpkin Project
The Teal Pumpkin Project was started in 2012 by a mother in Tennessee named Becky Basalone. Basalone’s son had severe food allergies, meaning he could not enjoy many typical Halloween candies handed out while trick-or-treating. This meant he often had to miss out on parts of the Halloween experience other kids enjoyed.
To help her son feel more included, Becky Basalone painted a pumpkin teal and placed it on her porch. This acted as a visual cue to let neighbors know her house offered non-food treats that were safe for those with food allergies. The teal color was chosen since it represents food allergy awareness.
Spreading Awareness of the Teal Pumpkin
After Becky Basalone first came up with the idea in 2012, the Teal Pumpkin Project began spreading further starting in 2014. Various food allergy groups and national organizations began promoting the project to raise awareness.
The nonprofit group Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) took up the cause of the teal pumpkin. They spread information nationwide about the meaning behind the teal pumpkin through campaigns, materials, and partnerships. This helped increase understanding of why the teal pumpkin was important for inclusion.
| Year | Teal Pumpkin Project Milestones |
|---|---|
| 2012 | Becky Basalone first creates the teal pumpkin concept in Tennessee |
| 2014 | National food allergy organizations begin promoting the teal pumpkin |
| 2015 | FARE launches their national Teal Pumpkin Project campaign |
| 2016 | Thousands of homes across America display teal pumpkins showing awareness |
| 2017 | Teal pumpkins reach Canada with campaigns in major cities like Toronto |
As more people learned about the meaning behind the teal pumpkin through these awareness efforts, more families began adopting the tradition. By 2017, teal pumpkins had reached Canada with campaigns launching in major cities like Toronto. Today, thousands of homes across America display teal pumpkins each Halloween to signify inclusion.
Providing Non-Food Treats
The teal pumpkin signifies that a house offers more than just candy for trick-or-treaters. Homes with a teal pumpkin make an effort to provide treats that are safe for those with food allergies. This allows all children to participate equally in the fun of Halloween.
Some popular non-food treats offered by homes with teal pumpkins include:
– Glow sticks, bracelets, or necklaces
– Pencils, pens, crayons, or markers
– Stickers
– Halloween-themed erasers
– Mini slinkies
– Bubbles
– Halloween figurines, spiders, vampire teeth
– Plastic coins or medals
– Mini Play-Doh containers
Offering a basket or bowl of these non-food treats provides variety for trick-or-treaters. It also ensures kids with severe food allergies don’t feel left out. Having safe treats on hand they can choose from makes the teal pumpkin house a welcoming stop along their Halloween journey.
Impact on Halloween Traditions
The growing popularity of the teal pumpkin has had a positive impact on making Halloween more inclusive for all children. Specifically, it has:
Raised Awareness of Food Allergies
By prompting questions and conversation, the teal pumpkin has increased general awareness about food allergies. Both kids and adults have learned about the challenges those with severe allergies face.
Encouraged Acceptance and Empathy
The teal pumpkin reminds kids to look out for others by being inclusive. It promotes values like caring, compassion, and acceptance of differences.
Inspired Action to Make a Difference
Seeing a need for change, individuals took action by adopting the teal pumpkin. This shows that small acts to promote understanding can grow into something more widespread.
Built Connections Between Neighbors
The teal pumpkin often leads to conversations between neighbors. People meet the families impacted, learning about their experiences and challenges firsthand.
Supported Those With Food Allergies
Most importantly, the teal pumpkin has enabled more inclusion, participation, and a sense of belonging for trick-or-treaters with food allergies.
Continuing the Tradition
The Teal Pumpkin Project has come a long way in just a few short years. What started as one mom’s small act has grown into a nationwide movement for inclusion. The tradition continues gaining momentum each Halloween.
To carry on the spirit of the teal pumpkin, families are encouraged to:
– Paint a teal pumpkin or use a teal pumpkin sign to signal inclusion.
– Provide non-food treats as an option for trick-or-treaters along with regular candy.
– Spread the word to neighbors, family, and friends about the meaning of the teal pumpkin.
With greater understanding comes greater acceptance. The story of the teal pumpkin shows that simple creative grassroots efforts can make Halloween more inclusive and enjoyable for all.
Conclusion
The teal pumpkin has become a symbol of food allergy awareness and inclusion during Halloween. Originating in 2012 from one family’s idea, it has now spread across North America through the efforts of food allergy organizations and caring individuals. The teal pumpkin signals that a house offers non-food treats for those who can’t have regular candy due to allergies. This simple act promotes food allergy understanding and makes Halloween more fun and equitable for all trick-or-treaters. With continued participation from neighbors, the teal pumpkin can continue creating a safer, more compassionate holiday for kids with food allergies.
