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The Teal Pumpkin Project: A Small Signal That Makes Halloween More Inclusive & Trauma-informed

Writer: Charne Gross, RDN, LDN
Charne Gross, RDN, LDN
Sep 24
3 min read


Written by Charne Gross, RDN, LDN

Trauma-Informed Pediatric Dietitian | Carmel Therapy Network

Learn more about Charne on Carmeltherapy.com/Charne

Halloween is supposed to feel magical, but for some families, the candy bowl can come with a whole cauldron of questions: Is this safe? Will there be anything my child can enjoy? How much explaining will we need to do tonight?


As a pediatric dietitian, I know that Halloween can bring extra layers of planning for some families. A little flexibility and a lot of welcome can make the night easier and more fun. The Teal Pumpkin Project offers one simple way for neighbors to make room for more children without making anyone feel singled out.     

At a glance: A teal pumpkin signals that a home offers non-food treats. It gives trick-or-treaters another choice and helps more children enjoy the evening comfortably: no tricks, no pressure, and no explanation required.

🎃 What Does a Teal Pumpkin Mean?

A teal-painted pumpkin, a teal pumpkin sign, or another clearly visible teal marker tells families that non-food treats are available at that home. It is a small signal with a big welcome: children who cannot safely eat candy can still join the neighborhood fun and choose something that works for them.   


You can still offer candy, of course. The important practical step is to keep candy and non-food treats in separate bowls. That makes the options easy to spot and lets each child choose without having to explain a medical need, eating preference, or anything else at the door.     


🧡 How the Teal Pumpkin Project Began

The idea began with Becky Basalone and her family in East Tennessee. After her son experienced severe food allergies, Becky wanted him to enjoy Halloween without having to turn down treats or explain his condition at every door.


Her family offered non-food treats and placed a teal pumpkin outside as a signal. The idea spread through the Food Allergy Community of East Tennessee, and Food Allergy Research & Education adopted the project nationally in 2014.    


What began as one family’s thoughtful solution became a widely recognized reminder that inclusion can start with a small, visible choice at the doorstep.

Why the Teal Pumpkin Project matters


Offering a choice does not take away from the fun of Halloween. It helps more neighbors participate in the same celebration in a way that feels safer, more comfortable, and more manageable for them.

 



Who Might Appreciate a Non-Food Treat?


The Teal Pumpkin Project is closely connected with food allergy awareness, but its welcome is broader. A non-food option may be useful for children with food allergies or intolerances, celiac disease, diabetes, eosinophilic esophagitis, feeding tubes or other special diets, picky eating or strong food preferences, or ARFID.


Halloween candy may contain milk, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, soy, or wheat. For a child with limited food variety for whatever reason, a non-food treat can be one optional way to reduce pressure around candy and broaden participation.


And some children simply prefer a sticker, toy, or other non-food surprise. That is reason enough. No child owes a diagnosis or explanation before receiving a treat.   


✨ Easy, Affordable Non-Food Treat Ideas

Non-food treats don't need to be expensive or elaborate. Some easy options include glow sticks or bracelets, stickers, temporary tattoos, bubbles, pencils, crayons, mini notepads, spider rings, vampire fangs, bouncy balls, mini slinkies, finger puppets, bookmarks, playing cards, stencils, fidget toys, and other small novelty toys.


Dietitian tip: Offer choices without pressure. Let a child point, pick, pass, or come back to the bowl later. The most inclusive treat is one that gives children room to participate in the way that feels right for them.     


Make the Choice Easy to See

Place the teal pumpkin where it can be seen from the walkway, and put the non-food treats in their own clearly marked bowl. You don't need an elaborate setup—a visible signal and two separate bowls can do a lot of welcoming work before the doorbell even rings.     


A More Welcoming Halloween Starts at the Doorstep

The Teal Pumpkin Project turns a small gesture into a meaningful invitation. A teal pumpkin lets families know that non-food treats are available, while separate bowls allow neighbors to offer candy and another option side by side.


Some children will choose candy, some will choose a toy, and some may simply appreciate knowing there is another option. Every one of those choices belongs at the party.     






About the Author

Charne Gross, RDN, LDN

Trauma-Informed Pediatric Dietitian, ARFID specialist, and Picky Eating Support

Carmel Therapy Network

317-520-4722

Carmel & Fishers, Indiana | Telehealth in Indiana and Michigan     


 
 
 

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