Just a few short weeks from now, children of all ages will don witch hats and fairy wings, Spiderman costumes and cowboy hats, to bounce from doorstep to doorstep in a Halloween candy quest. The candy supplying adults who dish out the cash to partake in this tradition are faced with an important question in store aisles across the country: What type of candy should I pass out?
Halloween retail spending was estimated at $9 billion in 2018, with each person spending a record $86.79, according to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey. What if all that money could help do some good?
This year, as All Hallow’s Eve draws closer, consider stocking your candy bowl with treats that give back, and turn a notoriously gluttonous holiday into a philanthropic one. These candies are both delicious and ethical, and will make for a Halloween candy bowl that does more than induce sugar rushes. If you are ordering these online, make sure to build in time for order and delivery.
Endangered Species Chocolate : This company offers mini chocolate bars perfect for distribution, and they give 10 percent of their proceeds back to their various partners working to protect biodiversity. All ingredients are also guaranteed fair trade, so you know the chocolate is sourced responsibly.
Project 7’s Gourmet Gummies: For a fruity addition to your bowl, throw in some Gourmet Gummies from Project 7. This socially responsible company partners with nonprofits around the world working on various social impact initiatives, including human health, environmental health, homelessness, food scarcity, water accessibility, education, and peacemaking.
Big Picture Farm Caramels: These caramels are made on an Animal-Welfare Approved goat farm in Vermont, and come individually wrapped for easy pass-out.
UNREAL Peanut Butter Cups: An ethical alternative to Reese’s, these organic peanut butter cups are made with all fair-trade and sustainable ingredients. They’re also completely natural, vegan and gluten free.
Justin’s Peanut Butter Cups: These classics are organic and Rainforest Alliance certified, so they’re good for the environment and good for your health.
Once the night is over, if your kid has more candy than they can or should consume, spread the joy a little further by donating the excess to Treats for Troops, Halloween Candy Buy Back, or Operation Gratitude. If your kid wants to give back themselves on the holiday, have them Trick-or-Treat for Unicef, and collect money to help millions of children around the world while they collect their treats.
