Teal Pumpkins make trick or treating safer

Jack-o-lanterns let parents know who has allergy-free snacks

MADISON, Wis. — It is a familiar scene on Halloween trick-or-treaters excitedly waiting to find out what treats are behind the door.

However, for kids like Nadia LaFond, who can’t wait to dress up as Glinda from the Wizard of Oz, the thrill can be squashed by her severe allergies to peanuts and tree nuts.

“I’ll get hives and I’ll have to go to the hospital because i get an allergy attack,” said Nadia.

“It’s something that we think about every day,” said the 6 year old’s mother Lori LaFond.

Nadia has learned how to manage her allergies, but on top of being cautious when consuming candy she and her mother even touching packaged candy can be risky.

When Lori heard about the Teal Pumpkin Project. she and her daughter didn’t hesitate to take part and decked out the teal.

The Food Allergy Research and Education group, or FARE, has been encouraging the campaign.

Homeowners expecting trick-or-treaters can put a teal colored pumpkin or sign outside their door.

The color represents food allergy awareness, and indicates they have safe non-food treats.

This Halloween the LaFonds will offer guests treats from two buckets. One will be orange with nut free candy and the other will be a teal bucket with Halloween themed pencils, bubbles, bracelets and other non-food items.

“Very good because then I don’t have to worry about getting sick or anything,” said Nadia describing what she thought of the project.

“My hope is that they can go around nd look and say hey we can’t stop at this house because there’s something safe here,” said Lori.

Learn more about the Teal Pumpkin Project or download a flyer here http://www.foodallergy.org/teal-pumpkin-project