Rancho student leader Amari Sims brings food-allergy initiative Teal Pumpkin Project to MUSD schools

Rancho Milpitas Middle School’s Associated Student Body President Amari Sims went on a quest this Halloween to deliver teal-colored pumpkin baskets filled with non-food treats to students with food allergies at our Milpitas Unified School District schools.

For his Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) Teal Pumpkin Project, Sims purchased the plastic baskets as well as a plethora of cool kid-friendly gifts such as stickers, temporary tattoos, yoyos, necklaces, and friendship bracelets.

“I hope that the non-food treats help students with food allergies feel included during the Halloween celebrations and that they consider offering a teal pumpkin at their home and spread the word,” shared Amari in his mission statement.

FARE promotes the simple act of offering non-food treats, like glow sticks or small toys, to help create a more inclusive Halloween that all kids can enjoy as there are one in 13 children in the U.S. with food allergies.

“Thank you to all of the school staff for supporting me in this project and their words of encouragement and support,” Amari said. “I met so many kind staff when I visited the schools.”

For his next endeavor, Amari is planning to organize a citywide walk event to increase awareness about food allergies and general early childhood nutrition while raising much needed funds for these causes.