A Washington parent hopes this Halloween can be a happy and safe occasion for all, including children who have food allergies.

The Teal Pumpkin Project is a campaign to make trick-or-treating safer and more inclusive for those with allergies and intolerances. The Food Allergy Research & Education non-profit organization states one in 13 children have food allergies. Washington resident Sonia Leyva says food allergens are always top of mind for her children aged nine and five, but it can be especially stressful around holidays involving food and candy, “We have to be thinking of these things all the time, ‘Okay, where are we going, what social event, what is going to be served, what do we need to bring,’ all that stuff. And so just that awareness of, if people are able to provide an option for kids with allergies, oh gosh, it makes their day. I see the smile on my kids’ face when they are able to have a treat that is nonfood and they know it’s safe, it makes their day.”

Leyva encourages neighbors to place a teal pumpkin on their doorstep signifying in addition to candy you offer non-food items that are safe for all trick or treaters. These trinkets could be glow sticks, stickers, bubbles, bouncy balls, vampire fangs, noisemakers, and much more. Leyva also encourages those handing out candy to be mindful of how chocolate, peanuts, and peanut butter can possibly contaminate other candy that children with allergies may grab. You can find a link to register your home with the Teal Pumpkin Project click here.