Last updated on August 25th, 2022
Oklahoma grocer Reasor’s once again is participating in the teal pumpkin movement during the Halloween season to help raise awareness for children with food allergies. According to Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), one in every 13 children has a food allergy and, on average, exposure to a food allergen sends one child to the hospital every three minutes.
A teal-colored pumpkin placed outside the home on Halloween night lets trick-or-treaters know that the home is offering non-food treats or treats that do not contain the top eight food allergens: wheat, dairy, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, fish and shellfish.
The Reasor’s teal pumpkin promotion is led by Reasor’s registered dietitian, Heather Steele, who recognizes the dangers of Halloween for children with severe food allergies.
Steele says, “Having a food allergy shouldn’t inhibit a child from enjoying a tradition that many of us grew up doing. Unfortunately, with a food allergy, food can be a source of fear for both that child and their parents. Participating in the teal pumpkin movement is an easy way to bring that joy back to all trick-or-treaters again.”
She has created a list of food treats that do not contain the top eight food allergens available at Reasor’s along with non-food goodies for trick-or-treaters to help guide shoppers towards safer choices.
Steele notes, “Non-food items are still the safest option to hand out to children with food allergies due to the potential for cross-contamination to occur and to accommodate children who may have food allergies outside of the top eight.”
The inspiration for this promotion came from The Teal Pumpkin Project, created by FARE in 2014. Homes who plan to participate can add their household to FARE’s Teal Pumpkin Project Participation Map.
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