It’s Hot Outside. Think Fall Thoughts.
As Halloween Items Appear on Store Shelves, FARE Encourages Families to Plan Ahead for the Teal Pumpkin Project
McLEAN, Va.—While summer temperatures continue to climb, Halloween items are already starting to arrive, skeletons and candy are making their annual appearance on store shelves, giving families an early opportunity to prepare for one of fall’s most anticipated traditions.
With an estimated 1 in 13 children in the U.S. living with food allergy, FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education), the leading nonprofit organization that supports those impacted by food allergy through advocacy, research, and education, is encouraging families to add one more item to their Halloween plans—a teal pumpkin.
A teal pumpkin at a home or event is a signal—a beacon for families managing food allergy that lets them know that a non-food option is available for trick-or-treaters, trunk-or-treaters or at other community events.
“People are already thinking about Halloween, whether they’re decorating early or spotting pumpkins and costumes at their favorite stores,” said Sung Poblete, PhD, RN, CEO of FARE. “Now is the perfect time to add to your Halloween plans so that children with food allergy in your neighborhood or at your event can participate in the joy of the holiday.”
Halloween isn’t just one night anymore—it’s become a season with retailers putting items on shelves starting in July. The National Retail Federation estimates that U.S. consumer spending on Halloween topped $13 billion in 2025 with an average spend of more than $100 per person. Nearly $4 billion of that spend was devoted to candy and treat purchases.
“The best Halloween memories don’t happen by accident,” said Dr. Poblete. “A little planning now, adding a teal pumpkin and non-food treats to your lists can help make October more enjoyable for families managing food allergy.”
For tips, printables, ideas, and other resources, visit FARE's Teal Pumpkin page here.
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About FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education)
FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) is the leading nonprofit organization that empowers the food allergy patient across the journey of managing their disease. FARE delivers innovation by focusing on three strategic pillars—research, education, and advocacy. FARE's initiatives strive for a future free from food allergy through effective policies and legislation, novel strategies toward prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, and building awareness and community. To learn more, visit FoodAllergy.org.