MCI Group Supports Teal Pumpkin Project

The Teal Pumpkin Project is a simple way to make trick-or-treating safer and more inclusive for the 1 in 13 children living with food allergies.

MCI Group founder, Marie Boustani knows firsthand the safety concerns of having a child with food allergies and supports the Teal Pumpkin Project in her home by placing a teal pumpkin on the doorstep signaling that, allergen friendly candy and or non-food trinkets and treats are available that are safe for all trick-or-treaters.

If you decide to have other candy that is not allergen friendly, it’s vital you keep your allergy-friendly treats in a separate container away from them to avoid cross-contact.

Once you have your treats, it’s time to let the neighborhood know that you are a safe place for families with food allergies. You can do this by registering on the Teal Pumpkin Neighborhood Map so families know to stop by your house for non-food treats. 

There are also Teal Pumpkin Project Resources available, to print such as signs or flyers so that other neighbors know that you’re participating in an inclusive Halloween.

Below are some low-cost items/ideas available at pharmacies, dollar stores, party supply stores, or online retailers, that can be purchased and handed out to all trick-or-treaters, and made available in a Teal Pumpkin or separate bowl from candy if you choose to hand out both options. 

  • Glow sticks, bracelets, or necklaces
  • Pencils, pens, crayons or markers
  • Bubbles
  • Halloween erasers or pencil toppers
  • Mini Slinkies
  • Whistles, kazoos, or noisemakers
  • Bouncy balls
  • Finger puppets or novelty toys
  • Coins
  • Spider rings
  • Vampire fangs
  • Mini notepads
  • Playing cards
  • Bookmarks
  • Stickers
  • Stencils

The Teal Pumpkin Project was inspired by a local awareness activity run by the Food Allergy Community of East Tennessee (FACET). FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) and FACET have an ongoing partnership as they work to reach families across the country and around the world with the Teal Pumpkin Project’s messages of awareness, inclusion, and community.

For more information about the Teal Pumpkin Project, and to stay up-to-date on food allergy information and resources follow FARE.