Kiwanis- Teal Pumpkin Awareness

The Teal Pumpkin Project suggests a few easy ways to raise money, including hosting your own pumpkin walk, a teal pumpkin painting party, a teal-painted pumpkin sale, neighborhood collections, and having a food and candy-free Halloween party.

Kiwanis of Oswego will be at the Optimist Pumpkin Races providing information and teal paint for you to paint your pumpkin Teal if you are participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project. Let trick-or-treaters know you have non-food options by placing a teal pumpkin outside your home or place a sign at your door.

The list includes glow sticks/bracelets/necklaces, pencils, pens, crayons or markers, bubbles, Halloween erasers or pencil toppers, mini Slinkies, noisemakers, bouncy balls, novelty toys, spider rings, vampire fangs, coins, mini notepads, playing cards, bookmarks or stickers.

Want to take part?

“This just makes it one more experience he can do like a normal child and still participate without the fear of being sick and being hurt”, said his mother Lori Fregoe.

Many popular Halloween sweets contain nuts, milk, egg, soy or wheat – the most common allergens in children and adults – and many miniature candy items do not have ingredient labels or allergen warnings, making it hard for parents to determine whether these items are safe.

“The Teal Pumpkin Project is an awesome way for kids with various food allergies to enjoy Halloween with less worry”.

“Food allergies continue to be on the rise and I think it is important that families and friends are not only aware but understanding”, said Busch.

Non-food treats should be kept in a separate bowl from the candy bars and other tasty treats offered on Halloween.