Halloween can be a challenge for parents of trick-or-treaters with food allergies.
Screening candy can be difficult and some children may feel singled out because they receive less than their friends.
This Halloween, the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) group has renewed a national campaign called the "Teal Pumpkin Project." It suggests households giving out non-food treats place teal-painted pumpkins on porches as a way of showing students with allergies it's safe to trick-or-treat there.
[NATL] Pumpkin Spice Madness: Craziest Seasonal Treats
Possible non-food treats include glow bracelets, pencils, vampire teeth, mini notepads and playing cards.
Launched in 2014, the Teal Pumpkin Project aims to "raise awareness of food allergies and promotes inclusion of all trick-or-treaters throughout the Halloween season," according to the group.
"Food allergies are potentially life-threatening. When we are looking at a Halloween celebration, it is really nice to provide something that is safe," FARE spokeswoman Veronica LaFemina told "Today" last year. She noted that one in 13 children in the United States has a food allergy.
In a 2014 post on FARE’s blog, the campaign said it reached nearly 5 million people on Facebook and the hashtag #TealPumpkinProject carried photos from many Twitter users embracing the campaign.
U.S. & World
Here is some of what people shared:
We've got our pumpkin ready for the #TealPumpkinProject Thanks @FoodAllergy for this! http://t.co/Yf19hkfhSk pic.twitter.com/2oLE87i4WT
— Michelle Fandrich (@emmefandy) October 20, 2014
Ready for Halloween!!!#TealPumpkinProject @FoodAllergy pic.twitter.com/HYl5JrZQUl
— KH (@xxkimmyhurley) October 15, 2014
Our Teal Pumpkin and some non-food treats, ready for all Trick-Or-Treaters! @FoodAllergy #TealPumpkinProject pic.twitter.com/HLIadE6O3M
— Jovanka Vuckovic (@JovankaVuckovic) October 18, 2014
My Teal Pumpkin! #TealPumpkinProject pic.twitter.com/QnkwclbbJy
— Gina M. Lee, M.Ed. (@MennettLeeLLC) October 18, 2014
@FoodAllergy Carved a peanut in our pumpkin because peanuts are scarier than ghost and goblins. #TealPumpkinProject pic.twitter.com/ap0JpBUqKx
— Kyle Schnabel (@SchnabelKyle) October 19, 2014
#TealPumpkinProject in honor of myself and my brother for being the 1 in 13 kids with food allergies! @FoodAllergy pic.twitter.com/qDSswnigfB
— Michaela✨ (@m_shelley19) October 21, 2014