Halloween has been gaining
more and more momentum in Australia each year. This year is set to be very different with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic so please check your state/territory for updates on this.
If you live in a neighbourhood that does
trick-or-treat and you are participating this year, here are some tips to help make Halloween fun and inclusive for
everyone.
- Raise
awareness for food allergies and promote inclusion for all
trick-or-treaters by offering non-food treats at your house and ask your
neighbours to also. To be a safe house for those with
allergies simply offer up non-food treats such as stickers, tattoos or
other small items. Download the Non-Food Treats Here sign from My Food Allergy Friends or Halloween food-allergy friendly posters from Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia to display on your front door and mailbox.
- Check out Trick or Treat Me website, people can
register their home as one that participates in Halloween and you can search
for participating homes. They have 'decoration destinations' and the ‘teal pumpkin’ option where people can
register that they are an ‘allergy friendly’ house providing non-food treat
options to be inclusive for kids with allergies. The creator of Trick or Treat
Me has a child with EoE so this is something they are passionate about.
- Pre-position
safe candy at friends' houses.
- Carry
safe snacks with you while trick-or-treating.
- Trade
unsafe candy (or the entire bag) for allergen-safe treats, money or
non-food items once your children return home. Other non-food ideas
include colouring books, pencils, stickers, stuffed animals and small
party favours.
- Check
all ingredients. Remember that treat-sized candy may have different ingredients
or be manufactured on different machinery than their full-sized
counterparts.
- Be
sure to carry your child's emergency medicines with you while
trick-or-treating.
- Ensure
your child understands they can't eat anything (or even touch) without
checking with you first.
- Plan
an alternative activity, such as going to the movies or a having a
scavenger hunt for safe treats.
- Bake
your own safe treats for Halloween like creepy looking foods! You can do
some amazing things with fruit - search the internet for countless inspiration!
- Some schools and pre-schools may plan Halloween parties or discos. If this is the case, ask your child's teacher if you can bring in safe treats for the class or ask if non-food treats be offered instead.
- Look for allergy friendly candy and treat options in store (always read ingredients carefully) and at online stores like Happy Tummies and Candy Queens.
- Check out our Australian Allergy Friendly Finds Facebook page for ideas too!