Halloween is a time of excitement in schools, daycares, and neighborhoods, but it can be tricky for children with food allergies and their parents. The joy of dressing up and trick-or-treating comes with concerns about allergens lurking in candy and on surfaces.
At Hazel Baby & Kids, food allergies hit close to home. Our founders, Elizabeth and Donovan, know the worry all too well because their son, Landon, was diagnosed with eight of the top ten food allergies, including peanuts and dairy, at just six months old. It opened their eyes to the ingredients not only in foods, but also in clothing, toys, utensils ... all that we come in contact with – and serves as the inspiration behind our shop!
According to FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education), the number of children with food allergies has risen dramatically over the past two decades, with an estimated 1 in 13 children now having diagnosed food allergies.
The Teal Pumpkin Project, originally started in a Tennessee community and now supported by FARE, aims to make Halloween safer for kids with allergies. They provide valuable resources, including activity coloring pages, treat ideas, and tips for safe trick-or-treating.
The premise is simple but powerful: Place a teal-painted pumpkin outside your home to signal that you offer non-food treats for trick-or-treaters. These goodies can be toys, stickers, glow sticks, or any fun and safe alternatives. This small gesture lets children with food allergies know that they can participate in the Halloween festivities without worrying about allergic reactions, and promotes inclusivity and empathy within our community.
This year, you can even add your home to the official interactive map, showing Jersey City and Hoboken lighting up with participation!
The Teal Pumpkin Project is more than just a Halloween tradition; it's a symbol of inclusivity and compassion. We are proud to support this initiative and encourage our Hazel Baby & Kids family to join us in creating a safer and more inclusive world for all children.
In the spirit of Halloween, join us in supporting the Teal Pumpkin Project and making this holiday season truly magical for every child in our neighborhood. Head on over to our Flagship shop (199 Montgomery St Jersey City, NJ) during regular business hours on October 28th and 29th, 2023 for Teal Pumpkin Trick or Treating. Together, we can make a difference, one teal pumpkin at a time.
Stay tuned on our Instagram for more updates and exciting initiatives from Hazel Baby & Kids.
Wishing you a safe, happy, and teal-tastic Halloween!
Looking for ideas for non-food treats? Here are some of our favorites:
Magnifying Glasses
Stickers
Temporary Tattoos
Crayon Rocks
Chalk
Bubbles
Glow Sticks