For many families, Halloween is filled with joy and anticipation. But for families managing food allergies, this festive holiday can be a minefield. Former NFL player Jason McCourty knows this struggle all too well. After his daughter experienced a severe allergic reaction, McCourty became a dedicated advocate for raising awareness about food allergies, particularly during Halloween. Today, he is a spokesperson for the Teal Pumpkin Project, an initiative by the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), aimed at making Halloween safe and inclusive for the 5.6 million children in the U.S. living with potentially life-threatening food allergies.
In partnership with CVS Pharmacy, McCourty and the Teal Pumpkin Project aim to change how Halloween is celebrated. Together, they’re helping families feel more included and less fearful of allergen exposure.
The Story Behind McCourty’s Advocacy
McCourty’s journey with food allergies began seven years ago when his youngest daughter experienced a severe allergic reaction.
“I was ignorant toward food allergies and the severity of it before learning my youngest of three suffered from it. I can remember her as a baby just being miserable and as parents not understanding why,” McCourty tells BlackDoctor.org.
After learning more about his daughter’s allergens, McCourty became increasingly aware of the daily challenges faced by children with allergies and their parents.
“When it comes to Halloween and social settings in general, I’m just more aware. I think about everything my daughter is eating and what’s being given to her. It has also changed the things that we give out as a family whether at Halloween, birthday parties or any other events we may be hosting,” McCourty adds.
Halloween and Food Allergies: The Reality for Millions of Families
According to a recent survey commissioned by FARE, food allergies are a major concern for families during Halloween:
- Over 60 percent of parents report that food allergies have negatively impacted their child’s trick-or-treating experience.
- Nearly 60 percent are most concerned about avoiding allergen exposure, while 22 percent worry about exclusion from social activities.
- Forty-one percent of parents want greater awareness that food allergies are serious and not just a dietary preference.
For parents like McCourty, Halloween now means more than just costumes and candy. It’s about ensuring the safety and inclusion of children with food allergies.
“It starts with a conversation for us now. All three of our children know what allergies our youngest has and the dangers that come along with that. When we go out, we have a separate bag for anything that is given that could be questionable. While we’re out no one is to eat anything they’re given until my wife or myself inspects it. We always have toys or safe treats with us so that everyone always feels included,” McCourty says.
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What is the Teal Pumpkin Project?
The Teal Pumpkin Project encourages families to provide non-food treats, ensuring that children with food allergies can enjoy Halloween without fear of allergen exposure.
“Many of the traditional Halloween goodies aren’t safe for kids with food allergies because they often have milk or nuts, things that are common allergens,” McCourty shares. “FARE’s Teal Pumpkin Project encourages the availability of non-food treats for trick-or-treating so that kids with food allergies don’t miss out on the fun.”
Homes participating in the project place a teal pumpkin on their porch or display a teal sign, signaling that they offer allergy-friendly, non-food items like glow sticks, stickers, and toys. FARE even created an online map where parents can locate teal pumpkin homes, making trick-or-treating routes safer and more accessible for families with allergies.
“It’s such a simple way to make Halloween more inclusive for kids with food allergies,” McCourty adds.
CVS and FARE’s Collaboration for Allergy-Friendly Halloween
This year marks the third annual partnership between CVS Pharmacy and FARE, which brings accessible allergy-friendly options to Halloween. Through this collaboration, CVS now offers over 60 non-food treat options making it easier for families to participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project. This partnership is crucial, given that 60 percent of parents with food allergy concerns report their children have felt excluded or negatively impacted by Halloween.
“Teal Pumpkin Project is more important than ever. By encouraging the availability of non-food treats, we can help make Halloween safer and more inclusive for all children,” McCourty shares.
Additionally, FARE’s work extends well beyond Halloween.
“The challenges for food allergy families can be serious. Access to care, medication, and safe foods can all come into play. My friends at FARE would love to see epinephrine available in public places including schools, restaurants, event venues, hotels, etc. so that if there is a need, rescue medication is available,” McCourty adds.
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Tips for Creating an Allergy-Safe Halloween
For families new to the challenges of food allergies or looking for ways to support the Teal Pumpkin Project, McCourty offers practical tips:
- Focus on Fun, Not Food: “Try not to focus on the things they can’t have or can’t do and magnify the things they can. The process of picking out the costume and getting dressed should always be emphasized and made into a big deal.”
- Offer Non-Food Treats: “Have treats that you can give them that you know are safe. I love that I can easily pick up Teal Pumpkin Project-approved non-food treats at my local CVS Pharmacy store or online. This convenience means I don’t have to go out of my way to ensure I’m stocked up, making the holiday way less stressful for us!”
- Educate Your Community: “Have conversations with other parents in your community. Whether they live in the neighborhood or go to school with your kids. Other families may be dealing with the same thing or be willing to participate in activities that are safe for all children.”
- Plan Safe Trick-or-Treating Routes: Use FARE’s interactive map to identify homes that offer allergy-friendly options.
- Get Involved: “These initiatives may not directly impact you, but you have no idea the impact they can have on someone in your community. The smile I get to see on my daughter’s face when there are treats that she can have when we are out is truly amazing.”
In the end, the Teal Pumpkin Project is not just about ensuring a safe Halloween but also about fostering awareness. “The awareness part is key. Small things like being on an airplane and having the thought that someone may be allergic to nuts and deciding not to eat them. There are so many small instances in everyday life that we can make a decision that can positively impact those around us,” McCourty advises.
How to Get Involved
Halloween should be a time for every child to feel included and safe. By supporting the Teal Pumpkin Project and initiatives like it, we can help ensure this holiday is one of joy and inclusion for families managing food allergies. Small changes can make a big impact, and, as McCourty emphasizes, the smile on a child’s face when they’re included is priceless.
Consider picking up some Teal Pumpkin-approved non-food treats at your local CVS or online. Join the movement, put out a teal pumpkin, and make Halloween safer and more enjoyable for everyone in your community. Together, we can turn Halloween into a celebration that all children can look forward to.
