Halloween, although a fun holiday, can require some extra work beyond costume prep. For many, the fun gets cut short due to food allergies + non-allergy-friendly treats being given out on the holiday. Luckily, Denise Woodard, the founder of Partake {a line of allergy-friendly snacks inspired by her daughter’s experience with food allergies} can help. Below, Denise shares with Hoboken Girl some tips to help make Halloween allergy-friendly for both you and your little one. Read on to discover how to make Halloween allergy-friendly.
Denise’s Story, As Told by Denise
When my daughter, Vivienne, was diagnosed with multiple food allergies, I was afraid that she would be left out of childhood festivities that traditionally revolve around food. From daily activities like snack time and playdates to the big events like birthday parties and holidays like Halloween, it seems every fun moment of coming together involves food.
Halloween is a spooky time of the year as is. Throw in food allergies and it’s like walking through a haunted house with the fear of allergen zombies popping up at any moment. During a time that should be fun and worry-free, it’s terrifying for food allergy parents — allergens seem to be lurking in every corner.
Between all the Halloween festivities, parties, and trick-or-treating, it can be overwhelming, but Denise has gathered tips and tricks over the years for anyone, with or without allergies, to partake in creating a safe and fun allergy-friendly Halloween for all.
See More: Halloween 2019: Family Parties + Events in Hoboken + Jersey City
Making Halloween Allergy-Friendly
Below, we’ve rounded up some of Denise’s top tips to help make sure Halloween stays safe and allergy-friendly.
Paint Teal Pumpkins
Get witch-crafty and participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project. Started in 2012, a teal pumpkin placed outside a home on Halloween night signifies that the house also offers non-food treats for trick-or-treaters. All the fun of getting treats minus the allergens. Dollar stores and retailers with dollar sections are great one-stop-shops for fun and inexpensive goodies like glow sticks, bubbles, stickers, and stamps. With or without food allergies, the Teal Pumpkin Project is a fun way to join a movement that promotes food allergy awareness and safety for all.
Bring Back Ups
Be prepared and bring safe treats to stealthily switch out for those unsafe from house to house. Denise will always make sure to pack some of her daughter’s go-to’s including Enjoy Life wrapped chocolates, Annie’s fruit snacks, YumEarth organic lollipops, and of course, Partakes new 1oz on the go pack of Partake cookies.
Read More: Kid-Friendly Fall Activities Within Two Hours of Hoboken
Fill Your Fall
Denise also suggests planning fall activities that don’t revolve around food, so kids don’t feel like they’re missing out and parents aren’t in constant fear that their children might accidentally eat a treat that’s unsafe. Apple picking, hayrides, football games, and decorating pumpkins are great seasonal activities.
With a little pre-planning and support from others, Halloween can be the fun-filled, worry-free celebration it should be.
Do you have any tips to help make Halloween allergy-friendly? Let us know in the comments!
Did you know: We started a podcast about all things news and lifestyle in Hoboken + Jersey City! Listen to the latest episode of Tea on the Hudson here and subscribe.
We release new episodes every Tuesday!
