ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – For children with food allergies, the scariest part of Halloween can be getting the wrong treat. A nationwide program ensures those children can have a fun and worry-free holiday.
Some people might see a teal pumpkin on a doorstep and think nothing of it. For parents like Samantha Gaudino, a teal pumpkin is a sign that her family is safe to trick-or-treat there.
“My own child has a food allergy,” Gaudino said. “When he was younger, I came across the Teal Pumpkin Project and just found this amazing program. It was kind of like a jackpot for us.”
Teal Pumpkin-friendly households offer non-food goodies for kids with dietary restrictions.
“Pencils, spider rings, witch fingers, stickers, all of those fun things kids usually end up enjoying more than their usual candy treats,” said Gaudino, who serves as the community advocate for the Teal Pumpkin Project of Delta County.
To help trick-or-treaters prepare, participating households are encouraged to add their address to the official map on tealpumpkinproject.org. Here in Delta County, Gaudino says more and more people have been getting on board in the last few years.
“It has been really heartwarming to see all of the people that come together and want to be part of something, just to benefit even if it’s one child,” she said. “It makes a huge impact on families that can’t really be measured.”
She says it’s a small action that can have a big impact in local communities.
“For every city block, there’s somebody with a food allergy of some degree,” said Gaudino. “There’s one in thirteen children who are allergic. That’s usually two per classroom. It’s a very prevalent reality for a lot of families. Especially if they’re just getting diagnosed, Halloween is very scary.”
For Gaudino and her kids, the Teal Pumpkin Project has helped to create many happy Halloween memories.
“It’s allowed our family to grow trick-or-treating pretty much like usual without much to worry about,” Gaudino said. “Now that my child is kind of getting older, we just want to keep it rolling forward for those younger families who are just starting out and not sure where to begin with Halloween.”
