Healthy School Fundraisers

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic by 14 people | Log in to rate

Ranked #3,059 in Family, #99,336 overall | Donates to Squidoo Charity Fund, Food for Everyone Foundation

Healthier Fundraising Options for Schools

Being a health-conscious and eco-conscious parent is hard these days when schools are pressuring us along with friends and family to buy junk food, low quality products and a variety of paper products that are not just needed. Fundraising doesn't have to be this way.

In 2007 the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) released a report showing that non-food and healthy-food fundraising options can raise as much or more than the traditional junk food fundraisers.

Healthy Fundraising requires that parents and schools just do some thinking outside of the box to discover new ways of fundraising.

Let's take a look at some of the reasons for holding healthier fundraisers along with some great ideas for healthy-food fundraisers and non-food fundraisers. (If you want to jump to the list of fundraisers, follow this List of Healthier Fundraising Options.)

Image Source: Composite of Michal Zacharzewski's Just a Box and RAWKU5's Apple both Royalty Free Use with several Microsoft Images.

Healthy Fundraising requires that parents and schools just do some thinking outside of the box to discover new ways of fundraising.

Contents of the Healthy School Fundraisers 

Fundraisers Outside of the Box

My Thoughts on School Fundraisers 

  1. As a nutrition teacher
    I believe we need to be reinforcing classroom nutrition teaching by including more healthy choices in fundraising activities otherwise the students get a mixed message.
  2. As a physician
    As an Internal Medicine Physician I have cared for patients with many chronic illnesses, like diabetes and and heart disease. The current obesity epidemic is magnifying the effect of these diseases on our population. Unfortunately, these diseases are being diagnoses in younger and younger people, even children.
  3. As a parent
    I want my children to grow up and be healthy and happy and not be faced with a life-time of chronic disease. I am teaching them to make healthy eating choices and to be physically active each day.
  4. As a member of the Wellness Committee
    Our school's Wellness Committee working with the California Guidelines for foods and beverages in schools has worked to develop policies for classroom parties that promote healthy eating. We have also implemented guidelines that there would be only one classroom party each month.

"Selling junk food for fundraisers undermines teaching children about eating healthy food."

Say "No" to Unhealthy Bake Sales

A Featured Lens on Healthier Bake Sale Fundraising Options  

featured lens Healthy Bake Sales Options

Trying to figure out healthy recipes for the bake sale can be challenging. Bake sales have traditionally been filled with high calorie, high fat and high sugar cakes, cookies, pies and other goodies. Some parents, myself included, are looking for al...

Unhealthy Fundraisers to Avoid 

The Center for Science in the Public Interest currently recommends avoiding the following types of fundraisers for the reasons included.

Source: CSPI. February 2007. Sweet Deals: School Fundraising Can Be Healthy and Profitable, Says CSPI. Center for Science in the Public Interest.
  1. Candy, cookie dough, doughnut, pizza, or pizza kit sales.
    These are among the most common school fundraisers, but enlisting school children to sell junk-food sends them the wrong message about the importance of healthy eating, according to CSPI.

    Junk foods are even included in the catalogs of many gift-wrap programs.

  2. Fast-food fundraisers.
    McDonald's, Chuck E. Cheese's, Little Caesars, Krispy Kreme, Burger King, and other chains have school fundraising nights, gift cards, and other programs that encourage families to spend money at the chains.

    The restaurants enjoy the marketing and the opportunity to bring in more customers on weeknights, but most of the menu options at these chains undermine children's health.

  3. Label redemption programs.
    Campbell and General Mills each sponsor popular label redemption programs that are surprisingly unprofitable. To earn a $300 digital camcorder, parents would have to buy 27,850 cans of Campbell's soup, about $33,000 worth. Twenty-two labels, or $26.40 worth of soup, would be required to earn a single colored pencil.

    Also, CSPI found that 80 percent of eligible products are unhealthy.

  4. Bake sales.
    A 2000 report from the Centers for Disease Control found bake sales in two-thirds of schools. Time-strapped parents typically purchase low-nutrition baked goods for the sales, only to send their children to school with money to buy them back. Parents end up paying twice.

  5. Vending machines.
    Not typically thought of as fundraisers, vending machines are one of the single biggest methods of raising funds in schools.

    CSPI calculated that the average amount of soft drinks high school students buy from school vending provides an extra 34,000 calories over four years.

    Happily, schools can make just as much money selling seltzer, juices, low-fat milks, and healthy snacks.

Enlisting school children to sell junk food undermines the education that parents, teachers, food service directors, school nurses & others in our school community are sending about the importance of healthy eating.

Jean Saunders
Healthy Schools Campaign School Wellness Director

Other Parents Weigh in on School Fundraiser 

I am not the only parent thinking this way about School Fundraisers. Here is just a sample of quotes and thoughts from other parents on School Fundraisers.
Do You Hate Fundraisers Too?
From Anna Hackman at Green Talk
Selling Junk Food Undermines the Importance of Healthy Eating
From Jean Saunders, Healthy School Campaign School Wellness Director blog post on Beyond Peanut Brittle: Successful Fundraising Without Junk Food.
School Fundraising Can Be Healthy and Profitable
From Margo G. Wootan, CSPI nutrition policy director quotes in a press release on "Sweet Deals: School Fundraising Can Be Healthy and Profitable, Says CSPI."
Looking for Greener Ways to Raise Money for Schools
From Jean Savedge, the Green Parent, blog post on Eco-Friendly School Fundraisers

Do You Hate Fundraisers Too? 

...the holiday season will be upon us sooner than you think. In anticipation of this season, PTAs, charities, and religious organizations all over the country will be unveiling holiday fundraisers in the form of holiday wrapping paper, cookie dough sales, and mugs and calendars for grandparents. This is only some of the possible fundraisers that schools, religious organizations, and other community groups sponsor throughout the year.

I know as a parent I hate these fundraisers. How much gift wrap do you need? I could not eat another cheese cake or order anymore stationary for my children. How many trees have we cut down in the name of fundraisers? How much sugar have we consumed in order to supplement needed programs at our community organizations?

Anna Hackman, Green Talk

Your Chance to Weigh in on School Fundraisers 

What do you think about school fundraisers?

Loading Fetching blurbs now... please stand by

They are great fun.

jeffwend says:

They are great fun... In moderation. At my nieces school, it seems that they have one a week. And if your child does not sell enough they may not get certain awards and they will feel bad about themselves. This goes against what fundraisers are really for. But done right, fundraisers can be a bonding experience that helps the school out.

Posted October 21, 2008

annalaurabrown says:

They can be fun if you choose the right product. I offer candles as a fundraising item and they are great because they are fun and healthy, no sugar.

Posted August 15, 2008

Frankster says:

They are fun however, I hate the candy bar sales. I'd rather donate the $1. I'm trying to eat healthy and as a chocoholic, I don't want chocolate candy bars pushed at me!

Posted July 27, 2008

I hate them.

Squidster says:

I'm fairly new to the American School System and am appalled by many of the "fundraiser" requests pushed upon my kids, especially those for candy and other junk. This lens should be made a mandatory reading requirement for those who are responsible for organizing fundraisers. I'd have much less problems helping out and do my share if it were for healthy and ecologically sound products.

Posted October 16, 2008

Comfortdoc says:

We always get flabbergasted looks from the Girl Scouts and their troop leaders when we give them a $5.00 straight donation instead of buying cookies. It is $5.00 pure profit for them.
I don't know if it is any better, but when I was a Girl Scout we got a small percentage, maybe $0.25 out of every box of cookies sold.

Posted July 27, 2008

 
 
1 of 1 page
 

Selling Junk Food Undermines the Importance of Healthy Eating 

We were encouraged to shop at Target, collect box tops, buy school spirit wear, participate in the annual silent auction, and purchase wrapping paper, home gifts and "gourmet edibles" from a company that structures its product sales for school fund-raisers.

The "edibles" for sale include "Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle," "Chocolate Delight Caramel Popcorn," "Peppermint Stick Creams,". . . the list goes on! For me, this sends the wrong message to my son and his schoolmates.

Enlisting school children to sell junk food undermines the education that parents, teachers, food service directors, school nurses and many others in our school community are sending about the importance of healthy eating.

Jean Saunders
Healthy Schools Campaign School Wellness Director

School Fundraising Can Be Healthy and Profitable 

The Center for Science in the Public Interest offered some very good insights based on their research in their 2007 report on "Sweet Deals: School Fundraising Can Be Healthy and Profitable, Says CSPI."
    Schools often rely on fundraisers to bridge budget gaps and help pay for athletic equipment, field trips, and supplies. But even though rates of childhood obesity have tripled in recent years, those fundraisers all too often rely on the sale of calorie-dense, low-nutrient junk food, according to a new report from the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI).

    Fortunately, says the group, schools have a wide range of non-food and healthy-food fundraising options to choose from, and experience shows that these options can raise as much or even more money than junk-food sales.

    CSPI nutrition policy director Margo G. Wootan does not believe that parents should be put in the position of buy even more junk food to help pay for their children's education. "Why put parents in that position when there are perfectly good fundraisers that don't jeopardize children's health?"

    New school wellness policies present an opportunity for parents, teachers, and school administrators to rethink unhealthy fundraisers, set nutrition standards for foods sold in schools, and to encourage physical activity, according to CSPI.

    "It is time to junk the junk food fundraisers," said Wootan. "As a society we are sure to spend more on the resulting diet-related diseases than we could ever hope to raise selling junk food in schools."
Source: Margo G. Wootan. February 2007. Sweet Deals: School Fundraising Can Be Healthy and Profitable, Says CSPI. Center for Science in the Public Interest.

Health-conscious parents have a hard enough time without schools pressuring their children to buy even more junk food to help pay for their own education.

Margo G. Wootan
CSPI Nutrition Policy Director

More Articles on Raising Healthy Children and Adults 

Raise an Active, Healthy Child and Prevent Concerning Trends
Obesity is rapidly becoming the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Recent statics indicating that 3 out of 4 Americans will be obese by 2015 are alarming from Foodie Mama, a Foodie Mom Social Network.
How to Raise a Healthy Child: The Best GIFT to Give a Child is Health for Life
Raising a healthy child can be made easier when parents focus on giving their child or children the GIFT of Health.
Surviving the Candy Season: Nutritious, No Calorie Treats For Fun and to Show Your Affection
The Candy Season starts at Halloween and runs all the way through Easter. Take a look at some healthy, nutritious alternatives that can be used instead of sweet treats.
How to Be Healthy for Life: Tips to Help You Live a Healthy Life
Most people hope to live a long, healthy life. Let's look at some simple tips to help you be healthier for life.
Nutrition Education in School Food Service Tool Kit
A Nutrition Education Tool Kit from the Center for Weight and Health, U.C. Berkeley. The goal of this tool kit is to take advantage of the potential of school food service settings to positively influence children's eating ? both at school and at home. The tool kit is designed for use in elementary schools, particularly those serving low-income populations. Activities are included for food service staff to use in school as well as for parents to use at home.

Teaching Children to Be Healthy and Eco-Friendly 

I agree with Jean Saunders opinions about having children sell junk food for fundraisers. If we enlist the children to sell junk and junk food it gives them mixed messages about food and about the environment.

I believe we need to be reinforcing classroom nutrition teaching by including more healthy choices in fundraising activities otherwise the students get a mixed message.

With our choice of fundraisers, we can also teach the children about the importance of being active as a part of daily living. We can also teach them to be concerned about recycling, the environment and the world.

While bake sales may not the the main culprit in the obesity epidemic, finding fundraisers that encourage people to move more and eat less can definitely help to change our habits and lifestyle choices.

A Featured Lens on Raising Healthier Children 

featured lens Raising Healthy Children for Life

Health 4 Life helps put the focus on raising healthy kids by providing education and resources for schools and families to encourage healthy choices, good nutrition and daily physically activity in a fun and enjoyable manner. Health 4 Life is a simpl...

It is time to junk the junk food fundraisers. As a society we are sure to spend more on the resulting diet-related diseases than we could ever hope to raise selling junk food in schools.

Margo G. Wootan
CSPI Nutrition Policy Director

A Featured Lens on the Alliance for a Healthier Generation 

featured lens The Alliance for a Healthier Generation

The mission of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation is to eliminate childhood obesity and to inspire all young people in the United States to develop lifelong, healthy habits. The goals of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation are two-fold 1...

Healthy Recipes Kids Love 

Healthy Recipes Kids Love is a 100-page magazine cookbook designed to help families eat more healthfully. From selecting recipes that sound and look good to shopping together for the ingredients and cooking together, families can make eating at home easy and rewarding.

Due to popular demand, they have also publish a 36-page special edition of Healthy Recipes Kids Love magazine cookbook. The cookbook includes many of the delicious recipes and beautiful photographs that were published in the original magazine.

These American Heart Association recipes make cooking and eating at home fun and easy for the whole family!

Retail Price for each book is a reasonable $3.99.
Healthy Recipes Kids Love (2008 Special Edition)
A 36-page special edition of Healthy Recipes Kids Love magazine cookbook from the American Heart Association.
American Heart Association Online Retail Store
You can order both editions of the book and support the American Heart Association by shopping in their on-line store.

Blogger Suggestions for Healthier Fundraising Options 

A Kid Friendly Guide to Eco Friendly Living
A look at eco-friendly fundraising from The Green Parent: A Kid Friendly Guide to Eco Friendly Living.
Eco-fundraising Made Easy and Profitable | Green Talk
Suggestions for eco-friendly fundraising from GreenTalk.
Healthy Schools Campaign: Beyond Peanut Brittle: Successful Fundraising Without Junk Food
Suggestions for from Jean Saunders, Healthy School's Campaign, School Wellness Director
School Fundraising the Healthy Way!
Ideas for Healthy Fundraising from Health Promotion Tips from HealthyAlberta.com.

Healthier Fundraising Options

Healthy fundraisers can be just as lucrative & popular as the more traditional chocolate sales.

Be creative & find what's right for your school.

HealthyAlberta.com

Healthier Fundraising Programs 

Some healthier fundraising programs available to schools and recommended by the Center for Science in the Public Interest include:

Source: CSPI. February 2007. Sweet Deals: School Fundraising Can Be Healthy and Profitable, Says CSPI. Center for Science in the Public Interest.
  1. Physical activity fundraisers.
    These include walk-a-thons, 5Ks, 10Ks, bowl-a-thons, and other sports-related fundraisers promote physical activity for students and can be lucrative for schools.
  2. Healthy food sales.
    Fruit, bottled water, spices, or granola bars can be sold instead of junk foods.
  3. Recycling fundraisers.
    Used cell phones, empty printer cartridges, and even re-usable clothing can all be collected by schools in exchange for cash.
    Millions of printer cartridges are thrown away each year, yet schools can earn between $.06 and $2.20 per cartridge, depending on the model.
  4. Scrip and grocery store fundraisers.
    Scrip is a gift card for use at local retail stores, which schools purchase at a discount. Many grocery chains have programs that disburse a percentage of shopper's purchases to a school they designate.
  5. Book fairs.
    The publishing company Scholastic sponsors more than 100,000 book fairs per year, which promote literacy as well as raise funds.

More Resources on Healthier Fundraising Options 

Most of these resources are PDF files with a wide variety of information compiled by the organization.
Guide to Healthy Fundraising
A single page PDF File guide to healthy fundraising from Action for Healty Kids.
Colorado School Site Resource Kit
A PDF File with the Colorado School Site Resource Kit. The program is designed to empower school personnel to implement programs and policies that model and promote a healthy school environment.
Fundraising with Healthy Food and Beverages
A 40 page PDF File with Fundraising with Healthy Food and Beverages: A Guide for Nova Scotia Public Schools. It is based on Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating and describes standards for all food and beverages served and sold in schools.
School Fundraising Toolkit | Eat Smart, Move More…NC
This downloadable toolkit includes ideas and resources on how to have healthy fundraisers for schools and will be useful for PTA members, Booster Club parents and members, and anyone involved in school fundraising. Check it out for planning tips, ideas on how to utilize physical activity and non-food items, and a local success story on how to have a healthy fundraiser.
Healthy Fundraising Ideas for ACT School Communities
The National Heart Foundation of Australia in partnership with the Department of Education and Training developed the 63 page booklet to guide fundraising activities of school communities.
Creative Financing and Fun Fundraising
A tip sheet of fundraising ideas that features a variety of alternatives to selling candy or other foods of low nutritional value for schools, youth clubs, and organizations.
Creative Financing and Fun Fundraising
A two page PDF File with many different suggestions for alternatives to selling candy as fundraisers from the Shasta County Public Health Department.
Eat Smart: North Carolina's Recommended Standards for All Foods Available in School
Eat Smart: North Carolina's Recommended Standards for All Foods Available in School and companion policy documents address foods and beverages found in traditional cafeteria meals as well as a la carte items, vending machines drinks and snacks, and foods and beverages served in after school programs and at school functions. Local education agencies have been encouraged to use the Eat Smart School Standards to craft food policies that will contribute to students' nutritional well-being and health.
Free eBook - 9 Strategies for Fundraising Confidence
Nine Strategies to Increase Your Fundraising Confidence is a must-read for all fundraiser organizers who want to bring their fundraising efforts to the next level from USA Fundraising.
14 Fundraisers that Promote Healthy Living | Fundraiser Insight
If you're looking for healthy fundraising ideas, you'll find them here. Find out the top 14 fundraisers that are successful and health conscious all at the same time.

Articles on Healthy Fundraising Options 

Weighing Healthier Options - Concessions, rewards can be healthy, too
The Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) looks at Healthier Options.
Healthy Lifestyles - Healthy Fundraisers for PTAs
An article on Healthy Lifestyles and Healthy Fundraisers for PTAs.
Healthy Fundraising Ideas - Alliance for a Healthier Generation
School Fundraisers are a critical source of money needed to keep giving our children the priceless gift of education. The Alliance highly recommends great resources that the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA).
No Junk Food: Alternative Fundraising
The No Junk Food site is designed as a resource for those who wish to create a healthier learning environment for our youth.
Products and Programs for Healthy Fundraisers
Ideas for Healthy Fundraisers from Fundraising.com
School Fundraising the Healthy Way!
This article describes some innovative ways to raise funds and stay healthy: in schools, at special events and in the community from Healthy U.

Why put parents in that position [of having to buy junk food] when there are perfectly good fundraisers that don't jeopardize children's health?

Margo G. Wootan
CSPI Nutrition Policy Director

Blog Posts on Healthy School Fundraisers 

I'm Fed Up with School Fundraisers | momlogic.com
What drives me crazy is when the fundraiser is selling junkfood. The school district has banned cupcakes for birthday parties and treats for holiday parties such as Halloween and Christmas, promoting healthy diet choices (this new ...
The EcoChic » Blog Archive » Day 6: Greener Fundraising
Through our eco-friendly fundraising programs, it is our goal to help school and non-profits raise funds responsibly. It is our dream that we will help to leave a healthy planet to many generations of children to come. ...
School Snacks and the Village Idiot | Small Steps to Health
Snack time at school is one prime example of how our village is not set up to encourage a healthy lifestyle. The teacher is doing the best that she can with her limited budget, often times using her own funds to subsidize the classroom. ... children whose families cannot provide their child with snacks? Short of health-minded parents subsiding or fundraising specifically for snack time, what can parent do to ensure their child eat the healthy snacks in their lunch bags? ...
Thinking Made Easy: Diversity
As a nurse, my first concern will, of course, be the medical one especially since my training has helped strengthen my belief that only when one is healthy and sound both in body and mind will there be advancements in other aspects. ... When it comes to the school, there may be some other way for the school to continue. Fundraisers may be organized in order to help the school gain some money. At the same time, the community may recruit the help of the Department of Labor, ...
Powered by Google

Physical Activity Fundraisers 

There are a whole variety of different physical activity fundraisers that can be hosted.

Sports-related fundraisers help promote physical activity for students and can be lucrative fundraisers for schools.
    Walk-a-thons

    Runs - 5Ks, 10Ks,

    Fun Runs

    Dance-a-thon

    Bowl-a-thon

    Jump rope-a-thon

    Golf tournaments
There are also many organizations (like the American Heart Association) that sponsor physical activity fundraisers that the schools can work with to help host a fundraiser.

Organizations that Sponsor Physical Activity Fundraisers 

Welcome to Jump Rope For Heart!
Jump Rope For Heart is an educational fund-raising event. It's held each year in thousands of elementary schools across the nation by the American Heart Association and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD).
Jump Rope for Heart
Jump Rope For Heart is a national programs jointly sponsored by the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) and the American Heart Association (AHA).
Hoops For Heart
Help fight heart disease and stroke. Students can raise funds while learning basketball skills by participating in the American Heart Association's Hoops For Heart event.
Hoops For Heart
Hoops For Heart, a joint project of AAHPERD and the AHA, kids can play the game they love while saving lives, learning about heart health, and helping others.
What Moves U
A joint effort by the American Heart Association and the National Football League that encourages children to be active with fun games to play and even a few interesting things to learn.

A Featured Lens on We're All Winners 

An an educational fitness activity designed to let young children have fun by participate in a non-racing, solo running activity. This could be adapted into a fundraising event.
featured lens We're All Winners

“We’re All Winners” is an educational fitness activity designed to let young children have fun, learn a bit about being safe in the sun and then participate in a non-racing, solo running activity. The main goal of the event is to cr...

Subscribe to the Scrip Fund Raising Program 

With Scrip members can use it to buy their favorite products and services, they generate all or a portion of the much needed funds for a school, cause, projects, or programs.
Scrip Fund Raising Program from Scrip.com
Scrip is a fundraising program that generates millions of dollars for charitable organizations nationwide. The most successful organizations earn hundreds of thousands of dollars per year from scrip.

Host a Scholastic Book Fair 

Hosting a Fair is the best way to support your school's reading efforts. Students, parents, and teachers love Book Fairs for a number of reasons, including:
    * A Book Fair connects kids to the books they want to read.
    * They feature a terrific assortment of books, hand-selected by book experts.
    * Book Fairs help build school, classroom, and home libraries.
    * They generate community involvement.
    * A Fair is one of the easiest ways to raise funds for the school.
Scholastic Book Fairs
Scholastic provides everything you need to have an extraordinary event while raising funds for your school.

Healthy Food Options

Recommended Healthier Foods for Fundraising 

Action for Healthy Kids recommends the following healthier foods as fundraising options.

1. Fresh Fruit
2. Fruit Baskets
3. Cheese Baskets
4. Popcorn & Nuts
5. Low-fat Cereal Bars
6. Trail Mixes
7. Gourmet Food Baskets

Schools can reinforce classroom teaching by including more healthy choices in fundraising activities.

Action for Healthy Kids

Fruitabu Apple Twirls in the Amazon Spotlight 

Fruitabu Apple Twirls, 6-Count 4.4 Ounce Box (Pack of 12)

Fruitabu Apple Twirls, 6-Count 4.4 Ounce Box (Pack of 12)

Amazon Price: $55.78 (as of 07/06/2009)Buy Now

Fun fruit rolls for the kids, with no added sugar.

Fruitabu Apple Twirls are USDA Organic Certified and contain 1 serving of fruit.

Kettle Valley All Natural Real Fruit & Fiber Bar in the Amazon Spotlight 

Kettle Valley All Natural Real Fruit & Fiber Bar, Wildberry, 1.4-Ounce Bars (Pack of 15)

Kettle Valley All Natural Real Fruit & Fiber Bar, Wildberry, 1.4-Ounce Bars (Pack of 15)

Amazon Price: $11.54 (as of 07/06/2009)Buy Now

Kettle Valley All Natural Real Fruit & Fiber Bar combines the goodness of two apples with 4 grams of functional fiber.

The Bar is All-natural, 100% Fruit.and no preservatives.

Kettle Valley Organic Fruit Snack on Amazon 

These fruit snacks are USDA certified organic, all-natural, high-fiber with no added sugar. Each snack contains an apple in every bar.
Kettle Valley Certified Organic Real Fruit Snack, Berry Blend, 0.7-Ounce Bars (Pack of 30)
Kettle Valley Certified O...
Kettle Valley Certified Organic Real Fruit Snack, Cherry, 0.7-Ounce Bars (Pack of 30)
Kettle Valley Certified O...
Kettle Valley Certified Organic Real Fruit Snack, Cranberry, 0.7-Ounce Bars (Pack of 30)
Kettle Valley Certified O...
Kettle Valley Certified Organic Real Fruit Snack, Blueberry, 0.7-Ounce Bars (Pack of 30)
Kettle Valley Certified O...

Kettle Valley 100% Fruit Snacks on Amazon 

Each Fruit Snack has an apple in every bar. These bars are all-natural, 100% Fruit, high-fiber and no added sugar.
Kettle Valley All Natural Real Fruit Snacks, Sour Apple, 0.7-Ounce Bars (Pack of 30)
Kettle Valley All Natural...
Kettle Valley All Natural Real Fruit Snacks, Tropical, 0.7-Ounce Bars (Pack of 30)
Kettle Valley All Natural...
Kettle Valley All Natural Real Fruit Snacks, Raspberry, 0.7-Ounce Bars (Pack of 30)
Kettle Valley All Natural...
Kettle Valley All Natural Real Fruit Snacks, Wildberry, 0.7-Ounce Bars (Pack of 30)
Kettle Valley All Natural...
Kettle Valley All Natural Real Fruit Snacks, Grape, 0.7-Ounce Bars (Pack of 30)
Kettle Valley All Natural...

Selling Natural Fruit Products for Fundraisers 

Kettle Valley - natural fruit products, fruit snacks, fruit leathers, fruit bars - Fundraising
Kettle Valley manufactures 100% natural fruit products-fruit snacks, fruit leathers, and fruit bars. Visit their site for information on fundraisers.

Beyond the Bake Sale in the Amazon Spotlight 

Beyond the Bake Sale: The Ultimate School Fund-Raising Book

Beyond the Bake Sale: The Ultimate School Fund-Raising Book

by: Jean Joachim

Amazon Price: (as of 07/06/2009)Buy Now

Parent-driven fund-raising keeps classrooms stocked with computers, libraries filled with books, and teams supplied with uniforms and equipment.

Beyond the Bake Sale is a comprehensive guide to foolproof methods that will raise the maximum amount of money for any elementary or secondary school.

Green Fundraising Ideas 

Isn't there are greener way for kids to help raise money for their school without trashing the planet?

Jenn, The Green Parent

Jenn isn't the only one wondering if there aren't greener fundraising ideas that can help raise funds without adding to the trash on the planet. Some of Green Fundraising Ideas include:
    1. Selling Green Stuff
    Several examples of Green Products (Smencils and a variety of Reusable Shopping Bags are listed below).

    2. Recycling Fundraisers
    Used cell phones, empty printer cartridges, cans, bags and re-usable clothing can all be collected by schools in exchange for cash.

    3. Buying Green Online
    Different organizations are making it easy for schools and other non-profits to host fundraisers, by giving them the option of hosting Virtual or online fundraisers.

    4. Adopt-a-Tree
    An Adopt-a-Tree fundraiser is a great way to raise funds, teach children about the role trees play in our everyday lives, and do something meaningful for the environment.

    5. Community Cleanup
    Raise funds by choosing a public area in need of a good cleanup, and get members of the community to sponsor your group.

    6. Green-a-thon
    Raise funds and exercise with a Green-a-thon such s a walk-a-thon or fun run. Pledgers can donate cash for every lap walked or run.

Looking for Greener Ways to Raise Money for Schools 

We are not even halfway through the school year and already I have been inundated with forms and catalogs from my daughter's school for fundraisers that almost always include low-quality foods, junk, or paper products that I neither need nor want. Stuff that is designed to clog up my closets while depleting resources and inevitably filling up landfills.

Isn't there are greener way for kids to help raise money for their school without trashing the planet?

Jenn, The Green Parent

Green Fundraising Ideas 

Here are just a few of the Green Fundraising Ideas that I found with products available through Amazon.
  1. Smencils - Gourmet scented pencils made from recycled newspapers.
  2. ChicoBag Reusable Shopping Bags
  3. Baggu Reusable Shopping Bags
  4. CYMA Reusable Grocery Tote Bags

Smencils Scented Pencils Bucket in the Amazon Spotlight 

Educational Insights Tub of Smencils

Educational Insights Tub of Smencils

Amazon Price: $55.71 (as of 07/06/2009)Buy Now

Smencils are gourmet-scented, environmentally friendly pencils that are a good alternative to wooden pencils.

They are made from 100% recycled newspapers

Smencils come in 10 scent-sational fragrances guaranteed to keep their wonderful aromas for 2 yrs.

Selling Smencils Recycled Scented Pencils 

SMENCIL WORLD - Smencils.com Fundraising
Gourmet scented pencils made from recycled newspapers. Enjoyed by everyone - sold by fundraising groups and used by corporations for promotional purposes.

ChicoBag Reusable Shopping Bags in the Amazon Spotlight 

ChicoBag Reusable Shopping Bags: Green

ChicoBag Reusable Shopping Bags: Green

Amazon Price: $4.95 (as of 07/06/2009)Buy Now

Use the ChicoBag Reusable Nylon Shopping Bag for everything trips to the grocery store, farmers market or out shopping. The Chico Bag reusable shopping bag is made from strong, durable nylon. It's ultra-lightweight and tucks into a little bag making it perfect to fit into your purse, pocket or glove box.

ChicoBags are easy to pack, durable and hold a lot of food or other stuff.

Baggu Reusable Shopping Bags in the Amazon Spotlight 

BAGGU Family Pack Neutrals Reusable Shopping Tote,Dark,one size

BAGGU Family Pack Neutrals Reusable Shopping Tote,Dark,one size

Amazon Price: $35.49 (as of 07/06/2009)Buy Now

Baggu ("bag" in Japanese) is a stylish and practical bag that is helping save the planet by reducing the number of plastic bags used.

The Baggu is machine washable, and folds up into its own pouch small enough to tuck into your handbag or pocket.

Made of super-tough ripstop nylon in bright, fun colors, it's the re-usable bag that's eco-chic.

Reusable Grocery Tote Bag Super Saver 10 Pack in the Amazon Spotlight 

Reusable Grocery Tote Bag Super Saver 10 Pack Combo, Limited Edition Colors +1 Printed

Reusable Grocery Tote Bag Super Saver 10 Pack Combo, Limited Edition Colors +1 Printed "A World of Thanks"

Amazon Price: (as of 07/06/2009)Buy Now

This10 Pack of Reusable Grocery Shopping Bags includes: Beige, Lilac, Pink, Kiwi, Hunter Green "A World of Thanks" Print

The bags are made of Durable Light Weight Material is Made of 100% Non-Woven Polypropylene, Compact & Washable. They are a large capacity measuring 12.5"W x 8.5"D x 13.5"H.

Recycled Cotton Canvas Tote EcoBag in the Amazon Spotlight 

Ecobags Recycled Cotton Canvas Tote Bag

Ecobags Recycled Cotton Canvas Tote Bag

Amazon Price: $8.50 (as of 07/06/2009)Buy Now

This is the ECOBags%uFFFD 10 oz. recycled cotton canvas tote bag, manufactured with recycled cotton fibers.

The bag is generously sized; 19 (inches) wide x 15.5 high, with a full 7.5 bottom gusset and over-the-shoulder 22 inch straps for easy carrying. Double stitched on all seams for durability.

More EcoBag Products Available on Amazon 

More from EcoBags, European-styled String Bags, Reusable Produce Bags and Tote Bags
Ecobags Reusable Produce Bag 3 Pack- Large Cotton Gauze
Ecobags Reusable Produce...
Organic Canvas Tote Bag
Organic Canvas Tote Bag
Ecobags Organic Net Produce Bag, large - Pack of 3
Ecobags Organic Net Produ...
Eco Bags - Milano Style- Natural
Eco Bags - Milano Style-...

Selling Reusable Shopping Bags 

There are many different organizations and companies that are offering fundraisers to sell reusable shopping bags.
Educational Fundraising with a Purpose
Helping advance the adoption of reusable shopping bags and reduction of plastic bags as a lifestyle choice. ChicoBag reusable shopping bags are designed to spread the message of environmental sustainability.
The Dodo Bag Company - Stylish Reusable Grocery Bags at Affordable Prices
It's Easy, Quick & Profitable! Are you searching for a unique, hot-selling fund raising item? Look no further-you've found it--The Dodo Bag.
ECOBAGS® - Nonprofit Information
Non-profit and Education customers can fill in their online form to access our non-profit prices.
Bulletin Bags: Environmentally Friendly Reusable Shopping Bags - Reusable Bag Fundraisers
Bulletin Bags are high-quality reusable shopping bags that are machine washable, extremely durable and made from a blend of environmentally friendly hemp and recycled PET.
Kids Saving Our Planet - Fundraising Groups
Groups can sell "I helped save our planet" Reusable Grocery Bags to help raise money for their organizations.
Rags to Bags Fundraiser
Fundraising Kits and information for your Rags to Bags Fundraiser. Turn your Rags into Grocery Bags.
ReusethisBag.com :: Eco Friendly Fundraising
Be the first on your block to hold an eco friendly Reusable Grocery Bag Fundraiser. Minimum Order: 500 Pieces for Fundraisers.
Green Bag Sales, Environmentally Friendly Fundraising
Sell reusable grocery bags to earn money for your group, club or school. Even add your logo and use your own colors for custom reusable bags that will get your group some notice.
Eco-Green Biodegradable Reusable Shopping Bags Fundraisers
Holding an eco-friendly grocery bag fundraiser will be an instant hit with your organization! That's why a new and exciting grocery bag fundraiser will boost your school, church, or non-profit organization's fundraising to a whole new level.

Green Online Fundraisers 

Different organizations are making it easy for schools and other non-profits to host fundraisers, by giving them the option of hosting Virtual or online fundraisers.

Here are links to just a few that I've found:
Greenraising Fundraisers
When you are fundraiser planning or planning fundraisers, Greenraising can help you with fundraiser planning, or planning fundraisers. They specialize in planning fundraisers for shcool and planning fund raisers for nonprofits.
Mother Earth Fundraising: Eco-friendly Products for Green Schools
Green fundraising with eco-friendly products for schools and non-profit organizations.
GoGreen Unique Fundraising - An Environmentally Friendly Unique Fundraiser
Easy Fundraising Ideas - GoGreen is a unique fundraising idea that is environmentally friendly and is garnering a lot of interest from many of our fundraising groups that are looking for a unique fundraiser
Lets Go Green environmentally friendly green fundraising
Environmentally friendly green fundraising for groups, churches, leagues, homeowners associations, non-profit organizations, and environmentally conscious organizations

The Green Coupon Book in the Amazon Spotlight 

myGreenSpark Redemption Book: The Green Coupon Book

myGreenSpark Redemption Book: The Green Coupon Book

by: Fundraising Green

Amazon Price: $24.95 (as of 07/06/2009)Buy Now

The myGreenSpark Redemption Book is a coupon book with a Green and Healthy twist. You can redeem coupons and redeem your impact on the environment! It contains over 250 Green, Healthy and Ethical coupons from 150 great companies, good for all of 2008.

If you are not from LA, no worries, the book offers thousands in savings from 70 online retailers featuring 125 Green, Organic and Fair Trade coupons.

A Featured Lens on the Green Coupon Book 

featured lens The Green Coupon Book

Fundraising Green has created a Green Coupon Book for consumers to use in an effort to drive Green, Healthy and Ethical purchases. The coupons tell a story, letting the user know why they should try this green product or service. It's shopping Green...

Another Featured Lens on Healthy School Fundraisers 

featured lens Healthy School Fundraiser

A Fundraiser that you can be proud to support? It's true. The myGreenSpark Redemption Book Fundraiser is the coupon book fundraiser with a Green and Healthy twist. Using the redemption book educates its users and promotes social and economi...

Blog Posts about Green Fundraising Ideas 

The EcoChic » Blog Archive » Day 6: Greener Fundraising
Not really, just have some good 'virtual' friends in the green fundraising field that I had to include in the Party. Plus now is really a good time to start planning fall fundraisers for your schools (and other organizations). ...
"Green" Fundraisers
Need to raise some funds for an event? Host a "Go Green Fundraiser". Pop on over to this site. Tons of ideas for hosting a "Go Green" fundraiser. http://www.gogreen-fundraising.com/
Flora London Marathon - Lawrence Green's Fundraising Page
Thanks for visiting my fundraising page. Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It's also the most efficient way to sponsor me: NSPCC gets your money faster and, if you're a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% ...
Flickr: Discussing Everett Green Drinks July 8th in Everett, WA
Everett Shorlines Coalition would like all to celebrate this evening nearly 10 years of appeal, negotiation, endless conversations, fundraisers, tears/laughter, and a tremendous sense of accomplishment with the adoption of the Marshland ...
Powered by Google

The Latest News on Healthy School Fundraisers 

Loading Fetching RSS feed... please stand by

The Latest News on Green School Fundraisers 

Loading Fetching RSS feed... please stand by

Practical Guide to Fund-Raising for Schools in the Amazon Spotlight 

Practical Guide to Fund-Raising for Schools

Practical Guide to Fund-Raising for Schools

by: Paul Morris

Amazon Price: $49.95 (as of 07/06/2009)Buy Now

This book is an easy to follow guide for those seeking to supplement funding for their school. Due to government cut-backs on school funding, many school systems are looking to alternative methods.

This will be a welcomed resource for teachers and administrators.

A Featured Lens on School Fundraising Ideas 

featured lens School Fundraising

In fundraising, gone are the days when you had to bake some goodies just to earn extra cash for your new dress. With the growing demands for highly workable fundraising activities, new ideas have been created to suit the trend of the new millennium. T...

Fundraiser Stuff Available on eBay 

Loading Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
eBay

Image Credits 

Fundraising Outside of the Box - Composite of Michal Zacharzewski. Just a Box and RAWKU5's Apple both Royalty Free Use with several Microsoft Images.

Say "No" to Unhealthy Bake Sales - Modified Microsoft Image.

Healthier Fundraising Options - Composite Image by Kirsti A. Dyer.

Part of a Month of Thanks  

This lens was converted to benefit the Food for Everyone Foundation as part of the Month of Thanks Challenge.
featured lens A Month of Thanks Challenge

A Month of Thanks gives lensmasters a chance to be thankful, raise awareness about hunger and make lenses to benefit hunger related Squidoo Charities. The challenge is being done to help us realize that even in the midst of everything that is going...

Donate to the Food for Everyone Foundation 

We at Squidoo passionately believe in creating new ways to support good causes online. By making a donation to Food for Everyone Foundation from this page, you are sending money directly to that organization, in whatever amount you want.

We don't touch it. We don't even see it. The author of this page doesn't either. And if you made it this far, thanks for caring.

The Food For Everyone Foundation's mission is to teach and assist families everywhere to grow successful and sustainable vegetable gardens, and really enjoy the experience.

We at Squidoo passionately believe in creating new ways to support good causes online. By making a donation to Food for Everyone Foundation from this page, you are sending money directly to that organization, in whatever amount you want. We don't touch it. We don't even see it. The author of this page doesn't either. And if you made it this far, thanks for caring.

Cancel

Reader Feedback on the Healthy School Fundraisers Lens 

A place for feedback, comments and suggestions

What do you think about holding Healthier Fundraisers?

Lensmaster

monarch13 wrote...

Wow, you put my Healthy Classroom Guide to shame. Excellent resources tips and tools! 5 stars and lensrolled!

ReplyPosted November 12, 2008

Lensmaster

lionmom100 wrote...

Great lens. My kids went to a private school and we existed on relatively healthy fundraisers - Scrip and Bingo Night (I loved being a runner while Al Lewis (Grandpa from the Munsters) was our caller (He was a great guy who donated both time and money))

ReplyPosted October 18, 2008

Lensmaster

Squidster wrote...

Excellent points made here that I support wholeheartedly. I hope my Blessings will help you spread this important message!
^:)^

ReplyPosted October 16, 2008

Lensmaster

annalaurabrown wrote...

This is great. This is one reason why I think candles make such a great fundraising item instead of all the junk. I also love the other healthy options you suggest there. A great lens.

ReplyPosted August 15, 2008

Lensmaster

Frankster wrote...

Another excellent lens. I feel healthier just reading it! ;-)

ReplyPosted July 27, 2008

 
Next Page
1 of 2 pages

Benefits Food for Everyone  

This group benefits the Food for Everyone Foundation and the Squidoo Charity Fund.

The Mission of the Food For Everyone Foundation is to teach and assist families everywhere to grow successful and sustainable vegetable gardens, and really enjoy the experience.