A grassroots campaign to ensure all children have an opportunity to trick-or-treat without experiencing an allergic reaction continues to build momentum throughout North America and is starting to gain a foothold in several Calgary neighbourhoods.

The Teal Pumpkin project, which started several years ago in the United States, uses teal coloured pumpkins to identifiy homes offering allergy-friendly treats or non-candy items.

“Halloween can be particularly challenging for children with food allergies simply because there’s more treats, more candy than on a typical day,” explained Beatrice Povolo, director of advocacy and media relations with Food Allergy Canada. “We want to make sure that there is an option for them as well so they can fully participate and enjoy the season with their friends.”

Teal pumpkins do not occur naturally and households that wish to participate are encouraged to purchase a traditional pumpkin and paint it teal.

“Food allergies in Canada is a growing health concern with over 2.5 million people affected  by food allergies, of which, over 300,000 are children,” adds Povolo. “A lot of these children will be trick-or-treating this holiday and it would be nice to be able to include them.”

Carmen Jiwani's son, dressed as Chase from Paw Patrol, will be heading door-to-door for the first time this Halloween.

“He sees pumpkins, he sees decorations, he sees costumes,”  said Jiwani. “How do you tell a 2.5-year-old that he can’t go because he might have a reaction?”

The mother of two say her son continues to be tested for allergies following several recent reactions and she takes comfort knowing there will be homes in her neighbourhood of Sage Hill offering items her son can accept.

“At Halloween he wants to be out with other kids, he wants to be trick-or-treating,” said Jiwani. “I think this is great that he can get some non-food items. He can come home and still enjoy Halloween.”

Jiwani admits she would likely be unaware of the teal pumpkin project if she did not have a child with allergies but hopes more and more households choose to participate.

“I’m not saying don’t give out candy treats, I have candy treats but they’re nut-free because we’re a nut-free home, but I think it’s good to have options for kids that can’t have treats.”

For allergy specific Halloween safety tips visit Food Allergy Canada.