Today I learned that by placing a teal pumpkin out on Halloween, you are signaling that you are offering non-food (read: non-allergen) treats to children. It's a secret code that you have safe goodies like stickers, stencils, and glow sticks to give out instead of candy. Clever!

The Teal Pumpkin Project was started in 2014 by non-profit advocacy group Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE). They write:

The Teal Pumpkin Project encourages people to raise awareness of food allergies and promotes inclusion of all trick-or-treaters throughout the Halloween season. The nationwide movement offers an alternative for kids with food allergies, as well as other children for whom candy is not an option.

The steps to participate are:

Provide non-food treats for trick-or-treaters.

Place a teal pumpkin – the color of food allergy awareness –in front of your home to indicate you have non-food treats available.

Add your home to the Teal Pumpkin Project map.

Spread the word! Share the Teal Pumpkin Project with your friends and family.