According to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), 5.9 million children in the U.S. have some type of food allergy. [1] That means, about 1 out of every 13 trick-or-treaters visiting your house this Halloween might have a food allergy. With this in mind, we gathered a few tips for parents and neighbors handing out treats to little ones this year.
Make Rules
If your child has any food allergies, set some ground rules before heading out for the evening. For example, you may want to ensure candy is not eaten until you’re back home and you can verify the item is safe for your child to eat. [2]
Bring Snacks
Throw a few healthy, non-allergy foods for your child in your pocket as you head out the door. If your son or daughter gets hungry, you have a safe alternative until you’re back home and have a chance to sort out any problem-treats.
Trade Up
Your dentist will love this idea. Arrange to have your child trade his or her Halloween candy with a much grander prize you provide. “You can keep all your Halloween candy, or you can trade up for this new toy.”
Go Teal Pumpkin
“FARE’s Teal Pumpkin Project is a worldwide movement to create a safer, happier Halloween for all kids.” [3] Use the Teal Pumpkin resources to help friends and neighbors know your house is a food allergy-free, or food allergy-alternative house where kids with allergies can get a safe treat or prize. This is just one of the many kinds of signs available from FARE:
From your friends at Horizon Family Medical Group, have a fun and allergy-safe Halloween!
Resources:
- https://www.foodallergy.org/life-with-food-allergies/food-allergy-101/facts-and-statistics
- https://www.glutenfreeandmore.com/issues/8-tips-for-trick-or-treating-with-food-allergies/
- https://www.foodallergy.org/education-awareness/teal-pumpkin-project
- https://www.foodallergy.org/sites/default/files/2017-08/TPP-Non-Food-Treats-Sign-Download.pdf