Hendrick Health offers tricks and treats to keep fall festivities safe and food-allergy friendly

Fall activities, like Halloween or trunk-or-treat events, are exciting times of the year for most kids. Unfortunately, parents of children with severe food allergies also understand the risk these festivities can bring.

According to Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), one in 13 children has food allergies, some even causing anaphylactic reactions. Because of this, it’s easy to understand parents’ hesitation in letting their children participate in such food-focused traditions.

Hendrick Health offers some helpful suggestions to promote safety and inclusion this fall season.

The Teal Pumpkin Project was started in 2012 by FARE in Tennessee as a way to raise awareness for food allergies and keep fall festivities fun for all kids. The national project encourages participants to set out a teal-painted pumpkin to let others know that they offer non-food treats.

Suggestions for allergy-friendly goodies include:

• Glow sticks, bracelets or necklaces
• Bubbles
• Miniature Slinkies
• Whistles, kazoos or noisemakers
• Bouncy balls
• Stickers
• Stamps
• Fidget toys
• Light-up keychains or rings
• Yo-yos

If you don’t have time to paint a pumpkin teal, download this printable flyer.

Staying clear from food allergies isn’t the only way to be safe during fall festivities. These quick tips can help ensure that everyone enjoys a fun-filled event:

• Include reflective tape or strips so children can be seen by cars
• Walk on sidewalks when possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic
• Look both ways before crossing the street
• Ensure masks don’t cover the eyes
• Don’t wear decorative contact lenses without a prescription

Additional safety tips can be found on the CDC website.