This Halloween, you might see more than just orange pumpkins on your neighbors' porches. Teal pumpkins are all the rage this year, and there's an important message behind them.
Food Allergy Research & Education, or FARE, is hoping to start a new tradition with this untraditional pumpkin color.
The organization is calling it the "Teal Pumpkin Project", and the goal is to raise awareness about food allergies and promote inclusion of children with allergies.
How it works is simple: if parents see a home with a pumpkin painted teal outside, they know that home is offering allergy-friendly options for trick-or-treaters.
FARE says 1 in 13 children have a food allergy, and for some it can be life-threatening. The organization says it hopes its efforts will allow kids with allergies in on the trick-or-treating fun — while keeping them safe.
FARE has offered some ideas for "Teal Pumpkin Project" participants to give out instead of candy — including bubbles, bouncy balls, stickers, and crayons or markers.
The project started in Tennessee last year before it was adopted nationally by FARE. The idea has quickly taken off and has garnered a lot of support from parents who have children with allergies.
WOIO: "I think it's a wonderful advancement for a parent and a family to learn how to incorporate these great holidays safely."
LAURA HASS VIA WPTV: "To have two hours one day a year where my kids just get to delight in being kids, that would be a dream."
The Hashtag #TealPumpkinProject is becoming more popular on Facebook Halloween approaches. FARE has asked for families to post their teal pumpkin pictures on social media as a way to generate awareness about the project.
And why teal? It's the color of choice because it is the national color for food allergy awareness.
