My mission to set neighbors into action
It’s been several years since I first heard about the Teal Pumpkin Project. I’m not even sure how many years it’s been when I try to think back. Nonetheless, I’ve been a participating household ever since I learned about it. It’s easy to do, it doesn’t break the bank, and it’s going to make Halloween night a WHOLE lot more special for a lot of neighborhood kids.
What is the Teal Pumpkin Project?
The Teal Pumpkin Project is part of FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education. It originated in Tennessee. Teal has been recognized as the color for food allergy awareness for 20 years. A movement was started to start placing teal pumpkins outside the door when a non-food treat is available.
Surely, this teal pumpkin idea must have caught on because for the past few years I have seen decorative teal pumpkins for sale in major retailers like CVS and Target. And yet year after year I have no kiddos in my neighborhood who have opted for any of my non-food treats.
I know you’re out there kiddos. I know you are. Come to my home. I have treats! I don’t mean to sound creepy there. What I mean to say is I have treats that won’t make you sick! That’s important. I’ve lucked out in my own home when it comes to kids with food allergies. I know (thanks to Facebook post from friends) that many families aren’t so lucky.
Am I the only one with leftover non-food treats year after year? I can’t be. I’m going to spread the word…
Specifically what I have set out to do is take this movement hyperlocal. Rancho Bernardo is a wonderful place to live. We have deep roots here and our reach is wide among us. I’ve lived in RB since 1974. I know a lot of people and they know a lot of people. YOU know a lot of people.
The solution! I’m making a map of RB Teal Pumpkin participating homes and I need your help
It’s easy to participate with a few simple considerations
- Place a teal pumpkin outside your home (or even place a sign on your door). This identifies you as a home that has a non-food treat alternative
- Keep your non-food treats in a separate bowl from the food treats
- Avoid items like molding clay. Any items that may contain wheat or latex
- Add your home to the local map for more visibility. Click HERE.
- For ideas, check out this pin we recently added to the Orvis Realty Group Pinterest page. (Though I avoid the Play-doh and tattoos)
If you’ve made it this far…I hope this means you are considering making your home a teal pumpkin home this coming Halloween. It takes a village. There is power and success in numbers. Please share this post with like-minded folks in Rancho Bernardo.
Until next time…TRICK OR TREAT! ~Megan Orvis Morris, RealEstateMOM
