Atlanta Allergy & Asthma News

How to Have an Allergy-Friendly, Socially Distanced Halloween

Updated on Wednesday, October 21, 2020

Although Halloween may look a little different this year, you can still make the most of it for your little ghosts and goblins! Masks (the other kind!) and social distancing will be a part of this holiday, but there are still ways to have fun and make memories.

Many traditional Halloween activities are considered high risk for spreading viruses. And of course, if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should not participate in any festivities or hand out candy to trick-or-treaters. Still, there are safe ways to celebrate the holiday. Learn more about low-risk Halloween activities from the CDC.

Children look forward to Halloween in large part due to the candy and treats, and that will not change because of the pandemic. But as always, children with food allergies must approach this holiday with caution. Many candies and foods are off-limits to children with food allergies due to cross-contamination or because it contains an ingredient that can cause an allergic reaction. Be diligent about reading labels and checking your child’s “Halloween haul.”

To bring awareness to those living with food allergies, please join us in participating in FARE’s Teal Pumpkin Project! Place a teal pumpkin outside your home or in your place of business to show your support. The goal of the Teal Pumpkin Project is to promote inclusion for all families with food allergies or other dietary conditions. Teal pumpkins are available at most craft stores, Target and on Amazon. You may even choose to host a socially distanced Teal Pumpkin decorating contest to get friends and neighbors involved!

If you are able to participate in safe trick-or-treating this year, be certain to offer options and include “safe” choices for those with food allergies. It is best to put these items in separate bowls, and FARE has “Pick Candy or Prize” signs available to print online. There are also free posters available on the FARE website that you can display to let trick-or-treaters know your home or business offers safe “treat” options. It is a simple act that can mean so much. Free #TealPumpkinProject resources.

Ideas for Non-Food Treats

  • Glow sticks, bracelets, or necklaces
  • Pencils, pens, crayons, or markers
  • Bubbles
  • Halloween erasers or pencil toppers
  • Mini-Slinkies
  • Whistles, kazoos, or noisemakers
  • Bouncy balls
  • Finger puppets or novelty toys
  • Coins
  • Spider rings
  • Vampire Fangs
  • Mini notepads
  • Playing cards
  • Bookmarks
  • Stickers
  • Stencils

Items to Avoid

There are some non-food items that still contain allergens, such as some brands of moldable clay that may contain wheat. Additionally, try to choose latex-free items as there are children who have an allergy to latex. Please be mindful when choosing your safe items.

If you have any questions about how to stay safe this Halloween, we invite you to contact us or schedule an appointment.