Why put out a teal pumpkin and non-food treats? Moms with kids who depend on them explain

Evan, 3, has Prader-Willi Syndrome which requires him to be on a strict diet. The Teal Pumpkin Project allows his to enjoy Halloween. (Photo: Provided by Natalie Brennenman)

It’s hard to ignore moms fighting for their kids.

That’s why we asked two mamas who have kids with dietary restrictions to explain the importance of the Teal Pumpkin Project — a mission that encourages people to place teal pumpkins on their doorsteps to signify that they are offering treats other than candy for Halloween. 

The project started in 2014 and is promoted by the Food Allergy Research and Education organization.

Chelsea Baker Snare’s 2-year-old son Jackson has a tree nut allergy. Foods that contain nuts or have been processed in a facility containing nuts can make him really sick. For some kids, it can be deadly. He’s among an estimated 5.6 million children with a food allergy.

That’s one in 13 children, or roughly two in every classroom, FARE reports.

Jackson, 2, poses with a teal pumpkin. He has a nut tree allergy with limits his consumption of candy. (Photo: Provided by Chelsea Baker Snare)

Natalie Brenneman’s 3-year-old son Evan has Prader-Willi Syndrome. The rare disorder tricks his brain into thinking his body is starving and overeating could lead to obesity-related complications. To manage it, he follows a low-carb diet void of added sugars or sweeteners.

These moms, and millions of families across the country, depend on participants in the Teal Pumpkin Project for their kids to feel included on Halloween.

“It allows kids to dress up and go out with their friends without fear, without feeling left out, and some peace of mind for parents that they won’t have to micro-manage their child’s treats,” Snare told USA TODAY.

Luckily, both moms say they have seen an uptick in teal pumpkins and hope that word continues to spread.

“Change is hard,” Brenneman acknowledged to USA TODAY. “But I think folks will be surprised at how little effort it takes to offer non-edible treats.”

“Toys last longer than candy and might very well be cheaper, too,” she added.

Plus, do our kids really need any more sugar?

Convinced now? Here are some really cool and easy non-food treats you can offer Halloween trick-or-treaters.

Jackson’s favorite is Play-Doh and Evan loves glow sticks.

Mom Natalie Brennenman provides a bowl of non-food treats for trick-or-treaters as part of the Teal Pumpkin Project. (Photo: Provided by Natalie Brennenman)

Teal pumpkin non-food treat ideas

Vampire fangs: You can even find ones that glow-in-the-dark.

Bouncing balls: Again, glow-in-the-dark ones are way cool.

Glow sticks, bracelets and necklaces: Kids will want to wear these while they trick-or-treat.

Slinky toys: Jack-O’-Lantern ones fit the theme.

Slap bracelets: Yes, they still exist and are so much fun.

Stamps: Add a piece of paper and you’ve got entertainment for days.

Mini containers of Play-Doh: Sorry for the mess, but you know kids love them.

Stickers: You can find stickers practically anywhere.

Silly straws: Sip some apple cider in style.

Bubbles: Always a good time.

Fun pencils and erasers: Also look for stencils, crayons or other arts and crafts supplies.

Unused kids’ meals toys: Another fun idea is to collect toys from kids’ meals and save them for Halloween. Leave them in the plastic, though.

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