CVS® is ready for the Teal Pumpkin Project

For the fourth year in a row, CVS® is highlighting the Teal Pumpkin Project, an initiative created by FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) to help make Halloween more inclusive for those with food allergies. FARE is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization with the mission to improve the quality of life and health of those with food allergy through transformative research, education and advocacy.*

By placing a teal pumpkin on their doorstep, neighbors can signal that they offer safe, non-food treats, allowing every little monster, witch and wizard to join in the festivities. Learn how to spread joy and create a spellbinding experience for everyone this Halloween.

In this article:

What is the Teal Pumpkin Project?

The Teal Pumpkin Project is an initiative designed to raise food allergy awareness. It encourages people to offer non-food treats in a separate bowl to help make Halloween safer and more fun for all trick-or-treaters. Participants can show their participation with a teal pumpkin or one of FARE’s free printable signs.

(FARE is not sponsored, owned or operated by CVS Pharmacy®. Use of the FARE site is subject to their privacy policy and terms of use.)

How did the Teal Pumpkin Project get started?

The Teal Pumpkin Project was inspired by a local awareness activity run by the Food Allergy Community of East Tennessee (FACET). FACET and FARE have since joined forces to help spread the message around the country, and even overseas.

How to become a Teal Pumpkin Project participant

Families who need to be careful about candy, or anyone interested in supporting those families, can join the Teal Pumpkin Project. Participants can get started in two steps:

• Step one: Display a teal pumpkin (buy one, paint one or hang one of FARE’s signs.)
• Step two: Offer non-food treats alongside or instead of candy. If someone is putting out both candy and non-food treats, they should be sure to use separate serving bowls.

FARE also offers an interactive map of teal pumpkin houses in the area. Participants can easily register their own teal pumpkin house and join the growing network of magical, allergy-friendly stops.

Why consider food allergies?

In the U.S., an estimated one in 13 children (8%), or two students per classroom, are affected by food allergies. At least two in five children (40%) have been treated in the emergency department for food allergy reactions. And that statistic doesn’t even consider children with nonallergic dietary restrictions.

There’s no current cure for food allergies, and the only way to avoid a reaction is to stay vigilant in steering clear of known allergens. But Halloween community events, school events and trick-or-treating often include store-bought candy containing common allergens such as eggs, milk, peanuts, soy and tree nuts.

“Many people don’t realize that the act of reaching into a bowl of candy where there may have been an open package can cause a reaction,” says Sung Poblete, PhD, RN, who is a clinician, a food allergy patient and the CEO of FARE.

Conjure up treats that are Teal Pumpkin Project approved

Wave the wand (or wield the shopping cart) and discover a treasure trove of non-food goodies at CVS. From glow pendants to enchanted art supplies, CVS has everything needed to delight event goers and trick-or-treaters of all ages.

Glow-in-the-dark goodies

Glow sticks and light-up accessories allow children to accessorize their costumes and stay a little more visible after the sun goes down. Glow-in-the-dark tattoos and glow pendants also fit the bill.

Art supplies

Crayons, paint and stickers give kids an activity to take home so they can craft their own art instead of chowing down on potentially harmful treats. Decorating the house with some seasonal art might also help provide some inspiration.

Critters and creepies

Some folks might lean into the holiday with a creepy offering. They might even fill up a treat bowl with squishy toys or a party pack of creepy little toy bugs.

Tiny toys

Spooky Halloween party favors provide interactive fun long into November and beyond. Miniatures are always a crowd-pleaser, but shoppers should make sure that any toys are age-appropriate and approved by parents.