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McLEAN, Va. – FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education), the leading nonprofit organization engaged in food allergy education and advocacy — and the largest provider of charitable support for food allergy research in the U.S. — is partnering with CVS Pharmacy for the third consecutive year on the Teal Pumpkin Project, a movement creating a more inclusive Halloween for those with food allergies by offering an expanded selection of non-food treats.
According to a recent informal poll conducted by FARE, more than 65% of children with food allergies have had a negative Halloween experience because of their disease.* The perspectives underscore the importance of the ongoing collaboration between FARE and CVS Pharmacy to ensure that a more inclusive Halloween experience is available to all consumers by offering a variety of non-food treats in more than 9,000 stores nationwide and on CVS.com.
"FARE is bringing the magic back to Halloween for kids of all ages with its Teal Pumpkin Project which encourages homes, schools, and community events to include non-food treat options for Halloween," said Sung Poblete, PhD, RN, CEO of FARE. "FARE's partnership with CVS Pharmacy helps ensure that all who would like to participate in Teal Pumpkin Project can easily access its curated selection of non-food treats and spread the magic of Halloween. We're thrilled to have a partner of CVS's stature recognizing the importance of this initiative joining forces with FARE."
"FARE is doing transformative work for Americans with food allergies, and we're honored to partner with them again," said Brian Eason, Vice President of General Merchandise and Consumables, CVS Health. "Our hope is that by continuing to expand our in-store and online selections of Teal Pumpkin products, we're making it easier for more families to celebrate this Halloween season."
CVS Pharmacy is expanding its Teal Pumpkin Project line this Halloween, offering over 60 non-food goodies, including trick-or-treat buckets, light-up bracelets, glow sticks, pumpkin flashlights, and new bulk items like prefilled mini-teal pumpkins—perfect for trunk-or-treat events and Halloween night.
Food allergies are a disease, not a diet, and for children with food allergies, Halloween can present new opportunities for accidental exposure instead of fun and joy. Informal polling of food allergy families indicated that Halloween's biggest challenge is avoiding exposure to allergens.*
Many within the food allergy community would like more easily accessible and affordable treats that add to the fun of Halloween. According to a recent survey conducted by FARE, nearly 80% of those in the food allergy community purchase both non-food treats and candy during Halloween* and are hoping others will do the same. Remember to keep those treats in separate bowls to avoid cross-contact.
For more information, visit CVS.com/TealPumpkin.
