Halloween is the time for trick or treats, but what if the treats aren't fun? Halloween with a food allergy can make trick or treating a struggle. It can be more stressful than exciting when you don’t know if the food in front of you is something you are able to eat. 

This year Swings & Smiles will be taking inspiration from the Teal Pumpkin Project. The project aims to make Halloween safer for children with food allergies or intolerances. In order to support these children, the Food Allergy Research and Education organisation created the Teal Pumpkin Project so that trick or treaters could identify houses where non-food options are available for children.

At Swings & Smiles we always want to support children with food intolerances. This Halloween at the centre we will be able to offer alternatives for all our activities if parents inform us of dietary requirements at the time of booking. We also encourage anyone who will seeing trick or treaters at their house to consider alternatives that they could have available too. 

If you'd like to get involved with the Teal Pumpkin Project at home you can: 

• Paint your pumpkin teal so that trick or treaters know you’re providing an alternative
• Provide an alternative treat which could include glow sticks, stickers or small toys

You can out more about the project and download free resources from the Teal Pumpkin Project website.

*Please note that it is the responsibility of parents to ensure that anything their child eats at the centre is suitable for them. If your child has a severe intolerance or allergy we can't guarantee there will be no cross-contamination as we handle all types of food at Swings & Smiles. If you have any concerns please get in contact with [email protected].