WASHINGTON — It's one of the less obvious fears of Halloween, a bane of homeowners across the U.S. It runs the risk of disappointing costumed kids. It's an invitation to mischief and mayhem from bored teens. Running out of candy for trick-or-treaters has always been a terrifying prospect for anybody answering the door on Oct. 31.
But that fear may have an antidote this year.
Mars, the company behind popular candies such as M&M's, said this month it will be deploying a first-of-its-kind "M&M's Halloween Rescue Squad" to bring candy to homes at risk of running out on Halloween night.
Starting at 3 p.m. Eastern on Halloween, residents of any home running low on treats can use an online website (available here) to order free Mars candies, which will be delivered directly to their door.
The promotion is being offered in partnership with Gopuff, a delivery service based in Philadelphia. The company operates in hundreds of cities across the U.S., meaning Americans in urban or suburban communities will likely be able to take advantage of the free treats.
It's only available while supplies last, and some people on social media have shared that their orders were canceled after the candy ran out.
GoPuff traditionally charges a delivery fee, starting at $3.95, although it's unclear if users will need to pay that fee to get the Halloween candy rescue.
As well as M&M's, Mars produces popular candies such as Skittles, Twix and Milky Way bars.
"The Halloween season is expanding, and enthusiasm is driving consumers to shop earlier and more frequently," said Tim LeBel, President of Sales and Chief Halloween Officer at Mars Wrigley, in a statement. "As the authority on Halloween, we plan for the season years in advance to ensure we satisfy shoppers' needs. From our first ever M&M'S Halloween Rescue Squad to new product innovations, we're doing everything we can to inspire more moments of everyday happiness this season."
Halloween deals 2023
There are also a number of other freebies and deals going on to celebrate the spookiest time of the year. Here's where you can pick up some treats (no tricks, we promise):
Wendy's - The fast food chain is giving out free 6-piece nuggets with any purchase on Halloween.
Chipotle - Starting at 3 p.m. Eastern on Halloween, Chipotle customers can get a $6 burrito by using the code "boorito" when ordering through the app.
Krispy Kreme - Following tradition, if you go to a Krispy Kreme location in costume on Halloween, you'll be able to snag a free donut.
McDonald's - Customers at the fast food chain will get a "Boo Bucket" with their kids meal through Oct. 31. The plastic buckets are a perfect carrier for Trick-or-Treat candy.
Burger King - Alongside the return of the fan-favorite Ghost Pepper Whopper for Halloween, Burger King is also serving Ghost Pepper Chicken Fries through Oct. 31.