Springfield, Mo. – With Halloween less than a week away, families are being asked to consider a simple addition to their holiday preparations: a teal pumpkin or teal‑colored window sticker. The Teal Pumpkin Project, now active in nearly 20,000 households nationwide, signals that a home offers allergy‑safe treats for children with severe food allergies.

Why the teal sign matters

“The Teal Pumpkin Project allows homes to openly show they are accommodating food allergies, so a child doesn’t have to disclose a disability,” said Dr. Sung Poblete, CEO of Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE). “For a traditional holiday like Halloween, we want our kids to feel the freedom of going door‑to‑door in a safe environment where they can get all of the treats they want.”

How to participate

Joining the effort is straightforward. While buying candy, shoppers can also pick up small toys such as temporary tattoos. Then they place a teal pumpkin on their porch or affix a teal sticker to a window. Homeowners can register their participation on the project’s map, adding their address to a growing national directory of allergy‑friendly homes.

Impact on children with allergies

FARE estimates that roughly two young children in every classroom live with a food allergy, ranging from celiac disease to peanut or tree‑nut sensitivities. Dr. Poblete explained, “On a day‑to‑day basis, some of these kids have to sit at a restricted table in school because of a peanut or tree‑nut allergy, which can be isolating. During Halloween, being able to roam freely with friends, dressed in costume, and knowing they can get a safe treat is a game‑changer.”

Community response

Local parents and community groups have welcomed the initiative, noting that it aligns with Springfield’s family‑focused values and supports a safer, more inclusive holiday for all children. By displaying the teal sign, households help reduce the anxiety many families feel when navigating candy bowls that may contain hidden allergens.

More information

For details on how to obtain a teal pumpkin or sticker, and to add your home to the national map, visit the Teal Pumpkin Project website. The organization encourages anyone interested in making Halloween safer for allergy‑affected children to participate.

Original reporting: KY3 Springfield (local) — read the source article.