Healthy Habits: Halloween and Food Sensitivities

Holly Darnell, RDN and consultant at Egglife Foods, is continuing to educate people on the dangers of food allergies around the Halloween & holiday season by sharing her top five tricks and treats to get your child through each safely, all while having fun. Holly is also sharing some egglife recipes, which are inclusive for all lifestyles.

Tips and tricks for keeping your child safe during Halloween:

1. Read all food labels: Foods tend to be labeled gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, etc, and they follow specific guidelines, rules and regulations to abide by those criteria. However, if you’re uncertain of a food, read the label and it’s ingredients. Even if a food may not contain the known allergen, it could be processed in a facility containing gluten, dairy, nuts, and more — especially if there’s not a label on the package (think small, individually packaged candy). Talk with your kids about what to look for and the right questions to ask if they get offered food or treats where they may be unsure of ingredients, especially if you as the parent may not be present. 
2. Be in the know: Talk with your neighbors, teachers and other parents to let them know if your child has any food allergies. It helps to have a team on your side, and the more people that are aware of your child’s allergies, the better.
3. Look for teal pumpkins: Teal pumpkins are a fantastic way to know that a house is on your side. In 2014, the Food Allergy Research and Education organization started a campaign to highlight awareness around food allergies. The color teal symbolizes that the house you’re visiting is providing non-food options and items that will be allergen-friendly.
4. Start a new trend: Whether you’re hosting the event or attending it, bring some non-food items into the mix! Yes to making your own treats, but why not add in a little bit extra? Think stickers, glow-sticks, spider web wings, and more.

 

Get creative in the kitchen: Go for a twist on the classics and make foods that fit your kid’s needs. Some ideas include Pumpkin Mummy Hand Pies or Hot Dog Mummies!