If You See a Teal Pumpkin This Halloween, This Is What It Means

When we think of Halloween decorations, we often think of classic orange pumpkins. But this year, there’s a new pumpkin color you can expect to see on porches: teal. And much like paint on a tree or a boot on a fence, these teal pumpkins contain a special message for onlookers.

Here’s everything you need to know about the mysterious teal pumpkins — what they mean, how they benefit children, and how you can get one yourself.

What Does a Teal Pumpkin Mean?

If you see a teal pumpkin on a doorstep this Halloween, it signals that, in addition to candy, the house offers non-food toys or trinkets for trick-or-treaters to enjoy.

The teal pumpkins are part of the Teal Pumpkin Project, put on by the non-profit Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE). Non-food items may include glow sticks, pop-up toys, playing cards, pencil toppers and temporary tattoos.

How Do Teal Pumpkins Benefit Children?

According to FARE, one in 13 children in America have some sort of food allergy. Even scarier, 42% of those children have experienced a serious allergic reaction.

Halloween candy often contains one of the seven major food allergens: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy and sesame. Many trick-or-treaters cannot accept candy. The Teal Pumpkin Project ensures these children stay safe while enjoying the holiday festivities.

Where Can I Buy a Teal Pumpkin?

This year, CVS teamed up with FARE to provide teal pumpkins and more than 100 non-food toys to purchase.

In a press release, Brian Eason, CVS vice president of general merchandise and consumables, said, “Our partnership with FARE has made it possible to accommodate the needs of every child and foster inclusive celebrations, while also bringing awareness to the important mission of FARE.”

More than 7,000 CVS stores across America will carry these non-food items, many costing less than $5. Check out CVS’s full Teal Pumpkin Project offerings here. Additionally, see if your local CVS carries Teal Pumpkin Project items by checking FARE’s interactive neighborhood map starting October 1.

Can I Make a Teal Pumpkin Myself?

Absolutely. Here’s how to paint a pumpkin. To really up the ante, you could also create your own Halloween crafts to hand out — stickers, stencils, bookmarks, bubbles or finger puppets.

Once you’ve created or purchased your allergy-safe goodies, make sure to add your house to the interactive map above so trick-or-treating families can find you. Have a safe and spooky holiday!