BY PATRICIA KELLER
WEST MILFORD — This Halloween, teal pumpkins will be popping up on porches, at schools, and at community “Trunk or Treat” events across the nation as a sign to families managing food allergies that non-food treats are also available at that location. Some local residents and schools in West Milford will be participating in this “Teal Pumpkin Project” as well this year.
About the Teal Pumpkin Project
The Teal Pumpkin Project” idea was first initiated successfully last year by the Food Allergy Community of East Tennessee (FACET) at a local level. As a result of their success, word of the campaign is spreading across the country through the sponsorship, encouragement and support of the campaign by the national allergy awareness group, Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), as well as through local allergy awareness and support groups. The goal of the project is to provide safe, non-food alternatives in addition to the usual candy treats so that children with food allergies can happily participate with their peers in the “Trick or Treat” tradition on Halloween.
It is also intended to help raise awareness in local communities about food allergies. Food allergic children often feel excluded during this popular time-honored tradition, since mere contact with their allergens could potentially result in a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. According to FARE,
“The unpredictability of anaphylaxis is one of the most difficult aspects of living with a food allergy," accord to FARE. "A person who previously had only mild reactions can have a life-threatening reaction, while someone with a history of anaphylaxis may have a mild reaction.”
Food allergy diagnoses continue to rise
One in 13 American children are diagnosed with food allergies each year - that’s equivalent to approximately two per classroom - and the numbers continue to rise. The cause remains unknown, although there are various unsubstantiated theories. According to FARE, “Although nearly any food is capable of causing an allergic reaction, only eight foods account for 90 percent of all food-allergic reactions in the United States: peanut, tree nuts, milk, egg, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish.”
Despite research working on preventive therapies, there is still no cure. Currently, strict avoidance of problem foods is the only way to prevent anaphylaxis. In the case of accidental ingestion or contact resulting in an anaphylactic reaction, immediate administration of an epinephrine injection upon the onset of symptoms, followed by emergency medical treatment, are the only effective life-saving methods available; but sometimes even that isn’t enough.
Local residents plan to show support
Parents are spreading the word to friends and family about the "Teal Pumpkin Project," planning to participate at their own homes on Halloween as well as at annual “Trunk or Treat” events in their schools, community and neighborhoods.
West Milford resident Nina Reams is the founder and support group leader of the "No Nuts Moms Group of North and Central NJ," which currently has nearly 300 active members who have children with life threatening food allergies.
“The Teal Pumpkin Project has really uplifted the entire community. Halloween is tough on children with food allergies because almost always they are excluded from activities that include food. We want to keep our children safe, but it hurts to see them excluded,” she said.
Reams’ 4-year-old daughter, Samantha, has severe food allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, coconut, and sesame seeds.
“Last year we instilled the 'Halloween Fairy' during Halloween in which Samantha leaves out her unsafe candy and the Halloween fairy leaves her safe treats in their place," said Reams. "She really enjoyed this tradition but the exclusion still bothered me. The Teal Pumpkin Project is a wonderful way to make all children enjoy Halloween without the worry.”
Reams is also the owner of a cooking program, “Chef It Up 2 Go,” that offers interactive cooking events that are 100 percent peanut and tree nut free. She said her program is allergy friendly, having already accommodated many food allergies, and, in the event there are multiple food allergies, she offers “food free fun.”
Reams' goal is to include all kids.
“No child should ever feel excluded and that is my goal as a mom and that will always be my number one priority.”
For symptoms of Anaphylaxis and facts about allergies, go to westmilfordmessenger.com.