Question: Healthy School Fundraising

With the skyrocketing rates of childhood and adult obesity, I find it alarming how many school fundraisers revolve around food, especially unhealthy food. A guide is available by the Center for Science in the Public Interest called "Sweet Deals: School Fundraising Can Be Healthy and Profitable." (http://www.cspinet.org/schoolfundraising.pdf) I'm curious about what other schools are doing to raise funds that are healthy and not centered on food.

Asked by ghkunkel

Answers:

Advice from PTO Today

Craig writes:
Hi GH -- Let me start by saying normally we would delete a post like this that seems to be aimed at getting people to look at a link by asking a question you're not actually interested in hearing the answer to -- especially since the report itself lists several well-known ways to make money that don't involve food. However, if you're truly struggling to find a new fundraiser, I'd suggest you check out the PTO Today Yellow Pages. You'll find lots of fundraising ideas there. Choose one involving food or not involving food—whatever you and the other leaders decide best fits your group.

Community Advice

ghkunkel writes:
Craig, thank you for your response. Your assumption that I'm not interested in what other schools are doing is incorrect. Yes, the guide provides some great ideas, but I want to know what other schools are doing to raise important funds for school academics and activities, but in a way that does not promote food. I am especially concerned since my kids are entering school. I think it is an important issue for parents to address as they are finding ways to financially support the school. Thank you for your suggestion to go to the Yellow Pages. I will check it out.

Community Advice

neatmon writes:
Don't have an answer, but I have come to the same realization as ghkunkel. At the concessions, we sell junk food and soda drinks. Recently, I introduced healthy snacks and drinks to the concession menu. They did not sell well. Are we so obsessed with making money that we fill the bellies of our children with food that provides empty calories? Change the focus of money making to the focus of healthy choices for children and ourselves.

Advice from PTO Today

Craig writes:
Neatmon -- This isn't what you asked for, but you might be interested in the article 10 Ways To Promote Healthy Eating. It looks at ways PTOs can help teach kids about healthy choices. Regarding concessions, we've heard from groups that have had success introducing healthy items (at family nights, for example) when they are the only choice. But when kids have a choice, they'll pick soda over water or juice and a cookie over an apple.

Community Advice

Just_Ask_Mom writes:
Our school sponsors a health fair every year and promotes a great deal of healthy alternatives and motivations. We have also used the Right Response First Aid Kit Fundraiser which exceeded our goal in fundraising expectations. We too moved to this type of fundraiser with the idea that the schools do not need more junk food or gadgets. Our main fundraiser is a walk a thon style fundraiser and it also came about