Teal Pumpkin Project makes Halloween for every kid
With Halloween upon us, so begins a weekend of sugar bingeing, dressing up and pumpkin carving.
For some however, their pumpkins will remain intact and painted teal as a sign of their involvement in the Teal Pumpkin Project.
The project began in 2014 in Tennessee and encourages houses to place teal pumpkins on their porch and offer nonfood items on Halloween for those with special food needs.
Owner of the Market Centre Sharon Hausauer said the project aims to include all children in Halloween, so none have to sit out on Oct. 31.
“The idea behind it is to include children with food allergies or health issues like diabetes so they can know that when they go to a certain house they will receive something safe for them,” she said.
Hausauer said the Market Centre is one of the biggest pumpkin distributors in Medicine Hat, which is just one of the reasons she promotes the Teal Project.
“Seeing as we are one of the big pumpkin sellers in this city, I think it’s important we spread the word,” she said. “We also have some close family and friends with diabetic children who cannot eat sugary candy on Halloween — so we’ve seen what it’s like for families.”
Hausauer said the Market Centre will be giving out cucumbers and apples on Halloween and if they make it home in time for trick-or-treaters, her and her husband will be prepared for any type of visitor.
“While we do get home pretty late, we have stickers, pencils and bookmarks for the children, just to offer something for everyone.”
More information on the project can be found at, http://www.foodallergy.org/teal-pumpkin-project.