Halloween is a magical time of year for kids, filled with costumes, excitement, and of course, trick-or-treating. But for families of children with food allergies, Halloween can also be a stressful time. Many traditional candies and treats contain allergens like peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, and gluten, making it hard for some kids to enjoy the holiday.
As a neighbor or community member, you can help make Halloween fun and safe for all kids by becoming an allergy-friendly house. With a few simple adjustments, you can ensure every child feels included in the spooky fun. Here’s how!
1. Offer Non-Food Treats
One of the easiest ways to be inclusive is to offer non-food treats that all kids can enjoy, regardless of their allergies. Plus, non-food items are a fun way to switch up the usual candy haul! Some ideas include:
• Glow sticks or glow bracelets
• Halloween-themed stickers or temporary tattoos
• Mini bubbles
• Spider rings or Halloween erasers
• Small toys, like plastic skeletons or monster finger puppets
• Halloween pencils or notepads
You can find most of these items at dollar stores or party supply shops, and they’re perfect for adding some extra fun to the trick-or-treat bags!
2. Join the Teal Pumpkin Project
The Teal Pumpkin Project, started by Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), is an initiative that promotes inclusion for kids with food allergies. When you place a teal pumpkin outside your home, it signals to trick-or-treaters and their families that you offer non-food treats.
Here’s how you can participate:
• Display a teal pumpkin: You can buy one, paint one yourself, or print out a teal pumpkin sign to hang on your door.
• Offer non-food treats: You don’t have to skip candy altogether, but just make sure you have some allergy-friendly alternatives available.
• Spread the word: Let your neighbors know about the Teal Pumpkin Project to create an even larger impact in your community!
3. Choose Allergy-Friendly Candies
If you still want to hand out candy but want to be mindful of common allergens, there are plenty of safe options out there. Look for treats that are free from the top allergens: peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, soy, wheat, and gluten. Some allergy-friendly candy brands include:
• Enjoy Life Foods: They offer mini chocolate bars and other sweets that are free from the top 14 allergens.
• YumEarth: Known for their organic, allergy-friendly gummies, lollipops, and licorice.
• Smarties: These classic treats are peanut-free, gluten-free, and vegan.
• Surf Sweets: Organic gummy bears and sour worms that are free from many common allergens.
• Swedish Fish: These chewy candies are peanut-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
Make sure to double-check the labels for ingredients, as manufacturing processes can sometimes vary.
4. Avoid Common Allergens
When choosing treats, try to avoid the most common allergens, including:
• Peanuts and Tree Nuts: Many popular candies, especially chocolate ones, contain peanuts or tree nuts or are made in facilities that process them.
• Dairy: Chocolate and caramel candies are the biggest culprits here.
• Gluten: Some candies, like licorice and cookies, may contain gluten.
• Soy and Egg: Many packaged goods, especially baked treats, contain soy and egg.
If you’re unsure whether a candy is allergy-friendly, it’s best to stick with non-food treats or candies from allergy-friendly brands.
5. Keep Treats Separate
If you plan to offer both regular candy and allergy-friendly treats, keep them in separate bowls to avoid cross-contamination. Label each option clearly so that parents can easily see which treats are safe for their children. You could even set up a designated area for non-food items, clearly marked for trick-or-treaters with allergies.
6. Communicate with Trick-or-Treaters
When kids come to your door, it’s a good idea to ask if anyone in the group has food allergies. Many parents or older siblings will appreciate the question and may be able to help guide their child to a safe treat. You can even let them choose between your candy or non-food options, giving them the chance to make the decision.
7. Support Allergy Awareness
Halloween can be an opportunity to raise awareness about food allergies. By taking these small steps to create an allergy-friendly home, you’re not only providing a safe space for kids with allergies, but you’re also helping to educate your community. Consider sharing information about food allergies with your neighbors, especially if you participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project.
A Safe, Fun Halloween for Everyone
Halloween should be a fun and inclusive experience for all kids, regardless of their dietary restrictions or allergies. By offering non-food treats, choosing allergy-friendly candies, and communicating with trick-or-treaters, you can make a big difference for families in your neighborhood.
So this Halloween, grab a teal pumpkin, stock up on some safe goodies, and get ready to make your house the go-to stop for all kids to enjoy a safe and spooky night!
Happy Halloween! 🎃👻