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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsA teal pumpkin on a porch means the household is handing out non-food treats to trick-or-treaters. The Teal Pumpkin Project, run by Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), lets children with food allergies, and others for whom candy is not an option, collect treats without refusing food or explaining their condition at every door. For Halloween 2026, FARE is inviting households and volunteers to take part locally, and the project’s map lists participating homes and events.
What a teal pumpkin signals
The teal pumpkin is an awareness signal. It tells families that non-food treats are available at that home. It does not mean the rest of the household’s food is allergy-safe, and a home that displays one may still give out candy.
- Teal pumpkin or teal pumpkin sign: non-food treats are on offer here.
- Candy as well: permitted. FARE advises keeping food and non-food treats in separate bowls, so a child can clearly choose the non-food option without sorting through candy.
- No teal pumpkin: it does not mean the home is unsafe or that it has candy only. Families should check ingredient labels on any treat they are unsure about.
Where the campaign started
FARE says the idea began with Becky Basalone’s family in East Tennessee. Her son had a severe food allergy, and the family wanted him to enjoy trick-or-treating without refusing candy or disclosing his allergy at each door. They offered non-food treats and placed a teal-painted pumpkin outside. The idea spread through the Food Allergy Community of East Tennessee (FACET), and FARE adopted it nationally in 2014. The origin account is summarized on FARE’s About the Teal Pumpkin Project page.
FARE’s CEO, Sung Poblete, PhD, RN, has framed the campaign this way: “No child should ever be excluded from a celebration because of a disease. The Teal Pumpkin Project represents inclusion for the millions living with food allergies.” FARE’s page attributes that statement to People Magazine, October 2024.
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Why the project is growing: the figures
FARE publishes several figures that explain the scale of the problem and the campaign’s reach. They measure different things and come from different years, so each should be quoted with its own attribution rather than combined into one series.
| Figure | What it measures | Source and year |
|---|---|---|
| 5.6 million children in the United States living with food allergy | Children with food allergy, as reported in FARE’s impact reporting | FARE, 2024 Impact Report, 2024 |
| About 1 in 13 children in the United States | FARE’s estimate of children living with food allergy | FARE, seasonal guidance, July 2026 |
| Over 12,500 locations and 91 events | Homes, locations and events listed on the Teal Pumpkin Project map, with representation in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and 13 other countries | FARE, Teal Pumpkin Project map report, 2024 |
How to take part at home
- Choose your non-food treats. The options are covered in the next section.
- Display the signal. Paint a pumpkin teal, buy one, or print FARE’s free sign. The comparison below shows the trade-offs.
- Decide whether to offer candy. If you do, keep it in a separate bowl from the non-food treats, as described above.
- Add your address or event to the project map through FARE’s Teal Pumpkin Project page, so families can plan routes.
- If you want to do more, FARE is inviting volunteers to serve as Teal Pumpkin Community Captains and encourage participation in their area. Details are in FARE’s September 22, 2026 announcement.
Choosing non-food treats
FARE cites glow sticks and small toys as examples of non-food treats. Either works for a mixed group of trick-or-treaters, and a bowl can combine several items.
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- Generous 13x10 Inch Size: Spacious enough to hold all your child's Halloween candy haul, yet lightweight and easy for little hands to carry.
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- Glow sticks, which are popular with younger children and easy to hand out in bulk.
- Small toys, such as bubbles, stickers, or small figurines.
Do not describe a product as allergy-tested or allergy-safe unless its manufacturer’s labeling says so. A non-food treat only has to be non-food; the teal signal is what tells families it is available.
Pumpkin or printed sign
FARE says a free printable sign is available and that teal pumpkins can be bought online or in local shops. Both options display the same signal.
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- Package Includes: You will get 2pcs orange Halloween trick or treat bags with LED light inside and handle in the sides, they can create a strong halloween atmosphere glowing in the dark and are great gifts for friends. Wrinkle and the string light moved may appear because of delivery. Please confirm it before purchasing.
- Bag Size: The halloween light up buckets are about 30 x 25 cm/ 11.81 x 9.84 inches, large enough to store various things, such as treat gifts, candies, chocolates, cookies and halloween fidgets.
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| Option | Cost | Effort | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical teal pumpkin | Varies by retailer; FARE does not state a price | Buy online or in a local shop, or paint your own | Households that want a lasting, visible display or a craft project |
| FARE’s printable sign | Free | Print and display at the door or window | Households that want no-cost participation or have no craft supplies |
Either way, the purpose is the same: a clear signal that non-food treats are available at that home.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check the sign before you rely on it
Teal pumpkins are a signal, not a guarantee. Before you let a child rely on a home’s treats, check the packaging and ask the household about any treat you cannot identify. Families of children with food allergies usually plan their own safe options in advance, and the signal helps them choose among the homes they visit.
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