Why teal pumpkins are popping up everywhere

Updated


This Halloween, you might see more than just orange pumpkins on your neighbors' porches. Teal pumpkins are all the rage this year, and there's an important message behind them.

Food Allergy Research & Education, or FARE, is hoping to start a new tradition with this untraditional pumpkin color.


SEE ALSO: The most popular Halloween pet costumes for 2016

The organization is calling it the "Teal Pumpkin Project", and the goal is to raise awareness about food allergies and promote inclusion of children with allergies.

How it works is simple: if parents see a home with a pumpkin painted teal outside, they know that home is offering allergy-friendly options for trick-or-treaters.

FARE says 1 in 13 children have a food allergy, and for some it can be life-threatening. The organization says it hopes its efforts will allow kids with allergies in on the trick-or-treating fun - while keeping them safe.

FARE has offered some ideas for "Teal Pumpkin Project" participants to give out instead of candy - including bubbles, bouncy balls, stickers, and crayons or markers.

The project started in Tennessee before it was adopted nationally by FARE. The idea has quickly taken off and has garnered a lot of support from parents who have children with allergies.

The Hashtag #TealPumpkinProject is becoming more popular on FacebookHalloween approaches. FARE has asked for families to post their teal pumpkin pictures on social media as a way to generate awareness about the project.

And why teal? It's the color of choice because it is the national color for food allergy awareness.

If you are giving out candy, here are some tips to save some cash:

More from AOL.com:
The simplest way to save on a Halloween costume this year
People are pissed about this Kim Kardashian robbery Halloween costume
You have to see this dog's epic Halloween photoshoot


Advertisement