In brief: the Teal Pumpkin Project encourages homes, schools, businesses and events to offer non-food treats and signal that option with a teal pumpkin. A teal display means a non-food choice is available; it is not a certification that every item or the location is universally allergy-safe. The project is run by Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE).
Set up a simple non-food treat station
- Pick one or two easy options. FARE suggests items such as stickers, spider rings and glow sticks. Small pencils, erasers or bookmarks can also be easy to portion. Choose age-appropriate products, follow package directions and avoid tiny pieces where young children may put them in their mouths.
- Keep the non-food option distinct. Put it in its own bowl or container, separate from candy. This makes the choice easy to see and helps prevent a visitor from needing to explain why they want it.
- Make the offer visible. Display a teal pumpkin or a sign near the entrance. Keep it at a height visitors can notice, while leaving the steps, doorway and walking path clear.
- Offer it to everyone. A simple âWe have a non-food option tooâ lets each visitor choose privately. There is no need to ask a child to explain a health condition.
FARE also offers project signs, participation information and non-food treat ideas. Their recommendations focus on offering a separate non-food choice, rather than labeling a food item safe for every allergy.
Keep the plan affordable
Choose one small item that is easy to hand out individually, then estimate a quantity using your own expected visitor count. Buying a few kinds can make the display feel varied, but it is optional. You can also make the station part of a neighborhood, school or trunk-or-treat event rather than buying supplies for a large gathering alone.
For a broader supply check, use the Halloween shopping list. If you are also estimating candy for visitors who want it, the candy calculator turns your chosen visitor and serving estimates into a package count.
Tell families where to find participating homes
FARE maintains the official Teal Pumpkin Project information and an annual map for participating homes and events. Check its current project page before Halloween for this year's map and listing instructions. As of September 27, 2026, FARE's page said the 2026 map was coming soon, so confirm that it has opened before relying on it for route planning.
If you invite neighbors to join, share FARE's own page and let each household decide whether it can participate. A static national page cannot confirm which local doors will be offering non-food treats on a particular night.
What a teal pumpkin doesâand does notâmean
A teal pumpkin or sign communicates that a non-food treat is available. It does not tell a family that the home's candy is suitable for a specific allergy, and it is not a promise about the ingredients or safety of every object in the bowl. Families and caregivers make the choices that fit their needs. When in doubt about a specific allergy, direct them to their own care plan and FARE's food-allergy resources instead of making a safety guarantee.
Quick host checklist
- Choose an age-appropriate non-food item and check its package directions.
- Place it in a clearly separate bowl from candy.
- Display a teal pumpkin or sign where it can be seen without blocking the route.
- Offer the non-food choice to every visitor without asking them to disclose why.
- Check FARE's official page for current map and participation details.
Frequently asked questions
Does a teal pumpkin mean the candy is allergy-safe?
No. It signals that a non-food treat is available. It does not certify candy, a home or an event as safe for every allergy.
Can I give out candy and non-food treats?
Yes. Keep the non-food choice in its own clearly separate bowl, and let each visitor choose without needing to explain.
Where can I find the official Teal Pumpkin Project map?
Use FARE's Teal Pumpkin Project page for the current annual map and participation updates. Map availability changes by season.
Sources: FARE's Teal Pumpkin Project guidance and its September 22, 2026 project announcement. This page is an independent host guide, not an official FARE page.