Tips for a Safer Halloween for Kids with Food Allergies (Host and Trick-or-Treaters)🎃 👻

For Hosts:

With a few adjustments, everyone can enjoy the festivities! As a host, here are some tips for offering allergy-safe treats that all trick-or-treaters can enjoy:

1. Stock Up on Non-Food Treats: Items like glow sticks, stickers, temporary tattoos, and small toys are great alternatives. They’re fun, safe, and avoid any risk of allergens.
2. Check Ingredients Carefully: When offering food, avoid common allergens like peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, and gluten. Some allergy-friendly options include fruit snacks, certain gummy candies, and pre-packaged allergy-safe brands. Double-check labels for cross-contamination warnings.
3. Use Teal Pumpkins: Displaying a teal pumpkin signals to families that you’re offering allergy-friendly treats, making it easy for kids to find safe houses.
4. Separate Allergen-Free Treats: If you’re offering both traditional and allergy-safe treats, keep them in separate bowls to prevent cross-contact. It’s a simple way to keep things safe and organized
5. Offer a Variety of Options: Kids love choices, so providing both food and non-food treats will keep everyone excited and engaged. This inclusivity makes Halloween more fun for everyone!

For Trick-or-Treaters:

Halloween can be tricky for families managing food allergies, but a little planning goes a long way. Here are some key steps to make sure kids with allergies stay safe while they celebrate:

1. Bring Your Own Treat Bag: Start with a bag that you control. This way, you can swap out unsafe treats with allergy-friendly goodies at the end of the night.
2. Check Ingredients First: Many candy brands produce allergen-free versions of popular treats, but always check labels. Ingredients can change, so even familiar items should be inspected each year.
3. Practice the “Teal Pumpkin Project”: Look out for homes with teal pumpkins, which indicates that they offer non-food treats. Many neighborhoods participate, and this small step makes a big difference for allergy-friendly trick-or-treating.
4. Keep Safe Treats at Home: Having a stash of your child’s favorite safe treats at home lets them swap out any unsafe candies they might collect.
5. Have a Plan for Post-Halloween Candy Checks: Make it a fun family event to sort and swap treats together, helping your child safely enjoy their loot without missing out on the holiday fun!

With a little preparation, Halloween can be a safe, inclusive, and spooky-fun time for everyone!