Healthy School Fundraisers
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Healthier Fundraising Options for Schools
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.
Contents of the Healthy School Fundraisers
- Fundraisers Outside of the Box
- My Thoughts on School Fundraisers
- Say "No" to Unhealthy Bake Sales
- A Featured Lens on Healthier Bake Sale Fundraising Options
- Unhealthy Fundraisers to Avoid
- Other Parents Weigh in on School Fundraiser
- Do You Hate Fundraisers Too?
- Your Chance to Weigh in on School Fundraisers
- Selling Junk Food Undermines the Importance of Healthy Eating
- School Fundraising Can Be Healthy and Profitable
- More Articles on Raising Healthy Children and Adults
- Teaching Children to Be Healthy and Eco-Friendly
- A Featured Lens on Raising Healthier Children
- A Featured Lens on the Alliance for a Healthier Generation
- Healthy Recipes Kids Love
- Blogger Suggestions for Healthier Fundraising Options
- Healthier Fundraising Options
- Healthier Fundraising Programs
- More Resources on Healthier Fundraising Options
- Articles on Healthy Fundraising Options
- Blog Posts on Healthy School Fundraisers
- Physical Activity Fundraisers
- Organizations that Sponsor Physical Activity Fundraisers
- A Featured Lens on We're All Winners
- Subscribe to the Scrip Fund Raising Program
- Host a Scholastic Book Fair
- Healthy Food Options
- Recommended Healthier Foods for Fundraising
- Fruitabu Apple Twirls in the Amazon Spotlight
- Kettle Valley All Natural Real Fruit & Fiber Bar in the Amazon Spotlight
- Kettle Valley Organic Fruit Snack on Amazon
- Kettle Valley 100% Fruit Snacks on Amazon
- More Kettle Valley Real Fruit & Fiber Bars on Amazon
- Selling Natural Fruit Products for Fundraisers
- Beyond the Bake Sale in the Amazon Spotlight
- Green Fundraising Ideas
- Looking for Greener Ways to Raise Money for Schools
- Green Fundraising Ideas
- Smencils Scented Pencils Bucket in the Amazon Spotlight
- More Smencils Available on Amazon
- Selling Smencils Recycled Scented Pencils
- ChicoBag Reusable Shopping Bags in the Amazon Spotlight
- More ChicoBags on Amazon
- Baggu Reusable Shopping Bags in the Amazon Spotlight
- More Baggu Options on Amazon
- Reusable Grocery Tote Bag Super Saver 10 Pack in the Amazon Spotlight
- More Reusable Grocery Tote Bag on Amazon
- Recycled Cotton Canvas Tote EcoBag in the Amazon Spotlight
- More EcoBag Products Available on Amazon
- Selling Reusable Shopping Bags
- Green Online Fundraisers
- The Green Coupon Book in the Amazon Spotlight
- A Featured Lens on the Green Coupon Book
- Another Featured Lens on Healthy School Fundraisers
- Blog Posts about Green Fundraising Ideas
- The Latest News on Healthy School Fundraisers
- The Latest News on Green School Fundraisers
- Practical Guide to Fund-Raising for Schools in the Amazon Spotlight
- Books on Fundraising Available on Amazon
- A Featured Lens on School Fundraising Ideas
- Fundraiser Stuff Available on eBay
- Image Credits
- Part of a Month of Thanks
- Donate to the Food for Everyone Foundation
- Reader Feedback on the Healthy School Fundraisers Lens
- Benefits Food for Everyone

Fundraisers Outside of the Box
My Thoughts on School Fundraisers
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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. -
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. -
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. -
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
Unhealthy Fundraisers to Avoid
Source: CSPI. February 2007. Sweet Deals: School Fundraising Can Be Healthy and Profitable, Says CSPI. Center for Science in the Public Interest.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Jean Saunders
Healthy Schools Campaign School Wellness Director
Other Parents Weigh in on School Fundraiser
- 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?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byThey 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 Жовтень 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 Серпень 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 Липень 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 Жовтень 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 Липень 27, 2008
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
- 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."
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 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
Margo G. Wootan
CSPI Nutrition Policy Director
A Featured Lens on the Alliance for a Healthier Generation
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
Be creative & find what's right for your school.
HealthyAlberta.com
A List of Healthier Fundraising Options
- Fundraisers Outside of the Box
- Physical Activity Fundraisers
- Subscribe to the Scrip Fund Raising Program
- Host a Scholastic Book Fair
- Recommended Healthier Foods for Fundraising
- Selling Natural Fruit Products for Fundraisers
- Green Fundraising Ideas
- Selling Smencils Recycled Scented Pencils
- ChicoBag Reusable Shopping Bags in the Amazon Spotlight
- Baggu Reusable Shopping Bags in the Amazon Spotlight
- Reusable Grocery Tote Bag Super Saver 10 Pack in the Amazon Spotlight
- Recycled Cotton Canvas Tote EcoBag in the Amazon Spotlight
- Green Online Fundraisers
- Part of a Month of Thanks
- Donate to the Food for Everyone Foundation
Healthier Fundraising Programs
Source: CSPI. February 2007. Sweet Deals: School Fundraising Can Be Healthy and Profitable, Says CSPI. Center for Science in the Public Interest.
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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. -
Healthy food sales.
Fruit, bottled water, spices, or granola bars can be sold instead of junk foods. -
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. -
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. -
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
- 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.
Margo G. Wootan
CSPI Nutrition Policy Director
Blog Posts on Healthy School Fundraisers
- Kids jump rope for a purpose in heart-healthy fundraiser
- Fourth-grader MacKennzie Doan, 9, jumps rope on Tuesday at Lakeport Elementary School in Burtchville Township as part of the American Heart Association's Jump Rope for Heart program. Students learned about heart disease and other heart-healthy ...
- YMCA launches annual fundraiser
- Kids have a safe place to learn and build confidence after school; families have a place to reconnect and grow together; and teens develop relationships, gain self-confidence, and receive academic guidance. To ensure that the Y can continue to provide ...
- Exercising for a cause: Colonial Fitness to hold a Zumbathon fundraiser
- Forry explained the motivation behind the frequency of hosting events to get fit for a cause. "We always like to be involved in fundraisers, to contribute to the community and the cause," Forry said. "It's a healthy way of expressing ourselves.
- Park garden, food trucks okayed in Hermosa Beach
- The City Council on Tuesday approved a community garden for a small section of South Park, and okayed food trucks for special events, church and school fundraisers. The council also took a first step in a ?radical? change to a parking permit system for ...
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
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
Subscribe to the Scrip Fund Raising Program
- 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
- * 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
1. Fresh Fruit
2. Fruit Baskets
3. Cheese Baskets
4. Popcorn & Nuts
5. Low-fat Cereal Bars
6. Trail Mixes
7. Gourmet Food Baskets
Action for Healthy Kids
Fruitabu Apple Twirls in the Amazon Spotlight
Fruitabu Apple Twirls, 4.4 Ounce Boxes (Pack of 12)
Amazon Price: (as of 02/16/2012)![]()
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)
Amazon Price: (as of 02/16/2012)![]()
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
Kettle Valley 100% Fruit Snacks on Amazon
More Kettle Valley Real Fruit & Fiber Bars on Amazon
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
Amazon Price: $4.99 (as of 02/16/2012)![]()
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
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
- Smencils - Gourmet scented pencils made from recycled newspapers.
- ChicoBag Reusable Shopping Bags
- Baggu Reusable Shopping Bags
- CYMA Reusable Grocery Tote Bags
Smencils Scented Pencils Bucket in the Amazon Spotlight
Educational Insights Tub of Smencils
Amazon Price: $35.99 (as of 02/16/2012)![]()
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.
More Smencils Available on Amazon
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
Amazon Price: $4.50 (as of 02/16/2012)![]()
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.
More ChicoBags on Amazon
Baggu Reusable Shopping Bags in the Amazon Spotlight
BAGGU Family Pack Neutrals Reusable Shopping Tote,Dark,one size
Amazon Price: (as of 02/16/2012)![]()
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.
More Baggu Options on Amazon
Reusable Grocery Tote Bag Super Saver 10 Pack in the Amazon Spotlight
More Reusable Grocery Tote Bag on Amazon
Recycled Cotton Canvas Tote EcoBag in the Amazon Spotlight
Ecobags Recycled Cotton Canvas Tote Bag
Amazon Price: $5.99 (as of 02/16/2012)![]()
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
Selling 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
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
Amazon Price: $24.95 (as of 02/16/2012)![]()
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
Another Featured Lens on Healthy School Fundraisers
Blog Posts about Green Fundraising Ideas
- United Way pulls in $3.7 million surpassing fundraising goal
- GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - The United Way of Brown County surpasses their fundraising goal for the year pulling in $3.7 million in donations. The total is $50000 more than their goal. The 2012 fundraising effort raised more than $120000 over last year ...
- St. Pat's go green for fundraiser
- THE PUBLIC turned out in vast numbers to support St Patrick's GAA unique fundraising Green energy day at the weekend. International and local business availed of the opportunity to showcase their wares and let people know that despite the recession ...
- The OTHER Green Army step in to help Albion
- "The Green Army are currently looking at ways we can raise funds to help our friends at Plymouth Albion. "To kick start our fundraising efforts, we will be having a bucket collection at the Doncaster game. Any donations will be gratefully received and ...
- W.Va. session fundraising targeted by pending bill
- Mike Green said fundraising during last year's special primary election for governor helped prompt him to introduce the legislation. While his bill would not apply to that office, the six Democrats and eight Republicans who ran in 2011 included five ...
The Latest News on Healthy School Fundraisers
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byThe Latest News on Green School Fundraisers
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byPractical Guide to Fund-Raising for Schools in the Amazon Spotlight
A Practical Guide to Fund-Raising in Schools
Amazon Price: $43.57 (as of 02/16/2012)![]()
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.
Books on Fundraising Available on Amazon
A Featured Lens on School Fundraising Ideas
Fundraiser Stuff Available on eBay
Image Credits
Say "No" to Unhealthy Bake Sales - Modified Microsoft Image.
Healthier Fundraising Options - Composite Image by Kirsti A. Dyer.
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Donate to the Food for Everyone Foundation
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.
Reader Feedback on the Healthy School Fundraisers Lens
A place for feedback, comments and suggestions
What do you think about holding Healthier Fundraisers?
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ChineseKitesforKids
Jul 22, 2009 @ 8:17 pm | delete
- Such a resourceful lens! My goodness I'm surprised I haven't ran across your stuff before now.
One thing I hate about school fundraisers is all the junk food they try to sell. Last year it was cheesecakes and almond roca..... I think that items you have shown are way better than any empty foods they try to unload on us. Except the girl scouts, God bless those cookies...ha ha
I think you have some great content here and I am going to lens roll this to my Non Profit Fundraising Ideas lens. Thanks for sharing!
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monarch13
Nov 12, 2008 @ 5:43 am | delete
- Wow, you put my Healthy Classroom Guide to shame. Excellent resources tips and tools! 5 stars and lensrolled!
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lionmom100
Oct 18, 2008 @ 10:03 pm | delete
- 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))
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Squidster
Oct 16, 2008 @ 6:14 pm | delete
- Excellent points made here that I support wholeheartedly. I hope my Blessings will help you spread this important message!
^:)^
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annalaurabrown
Aug 15, 2008 @ 8:19 pm | delete
- 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.
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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.
by Comfortdoc
Kirsti A. Dyer MD, MS, FT is a respected physician, an expert in life challenges, loss, grief and bereavement, professional health educator, professor,... more »
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