Illinois to Use Teal Pumpkins for Safer Halloween
Displaying a teal pumpkin signals that your home offers non-food treats for children with food allergies.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Allergies
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The Illinois Department of Public Health is encouraging residents to display teal pumpkins this Halloween on October 31, 2026, to signify they are offering non-food treats. This initiative aims to provide a safer, more inclusive trick-or-treating experience for children with food allergies.
Why it matters
With approximately 1 in 13 children in the United States living with a food allergy, traditional candy-heavy holiday celebrations can present significant health risks. This program helps families safely manage Halloween by identifying homes that offer items free from common allergens.
National health data indicates that 1 in 13 children in the United States live with a food allergy. While the prevalence is well-documented, the exact number of households opting into allergy-friendly initiatives remains under investigation.
The players
Illinois Department of Public Health
The state agency responsible for overseeing public health initiatives and safety guidelines across Illinois.
The details
Households participate by placing a teal-colored pumpkin outside their homes, signaling to trick-or-treaters that they are providing non-food items instead of standard candies. These alternative treats typically include items like stickers, pencils, spider rings, and glow sticks. Children with food allergies may also carry a teal-colored bucket to help communicate their specific health needs to neighbors during the holiday.
Timeline
October 31, 2026, marks the occurrence of Halloween.
Health Landscape
This state-level promotion aligns with the broader, national framework established by the FARE Teal Pumpkin Project to standardize allergy awareness campaigns. It reflects a growing shift toward inclusive holiday practices that prioritize safety for children with chronic health conditions.
Families can participate by stocking non-food treats and displaying a teal pumpkin to create a safer environment for neighbors with allergies. If your child has a food allergy, consider using a teal bucket this Halloween to help clearly signal their dietary needs to homeowners.
The takeaway
Halloween does not have to be a source of stress for families managing food allergies when communities adopt inclusive, non-food-based signals. Talk to your physician about appropriate ways to manage potential allergen exposure if your child experiences accidental ingestion.
Further reading
For more information on managing conditions, visit our Allergies section.
More information
To find participating homes in your area, visit the Teal Pumpkin Project home registration map.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WMBD 31 Peoria.
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Should households provide non-food treats to make Halloween more inclusive for children with allergies?
