Healthy ideas for fundraising at school

In September 2011, the Ministry of Education’s School Food and Beverage Policy was launched. The policy includes a set of nutrition standards for providing healthier food and beverages sold in schools. All food and beverages sold in publicly-funded elementary and secondary schools will follow this policy. 

The policy applies to food and beverages sold in cafeterias, vending machines, canteens, lunch programs and events on school property.  It also applies to fundraisers, such as bake sales and hot dog days that take place at school.

Unique fundraising ideas

Maybe the school library needs a new computer, or the grade sevens want to go on a field trip. There are many reasons your school may hold fundraisers. Here are some manageable ideas that are fun – and tasty – for the whole family.

Bake sales: It is possible to have a bake sale and stay within the nutrition standards of the policy.Food items at bake sales tend to be high in fat and calories and low in fibre. Try recipes from Bake It Up! . They’ve been specially selected to meet the Sell Most criteria, plus they taste great!

Fruit stand: After a class field trip to a local pick-your-own farm, sell your produce at a makeshift fruit (or vegetable) stand. Or make a fruit smoothie stand with your fresh fruit.

Recipe book: Ask students in home economics or family studies classes to create a healthy recipe and put them together in a printed book or web-based downloadable file. Sell the recipe book for a small fee.

Of course, you can also skip food altogether and raise money in one of these ways:

• Host an art show and sell student-made crafts, jewellery or paintings
• Sell tickets to a performance where students sing, dance or act
• Ask area businesses to donate prizes, then sell raffle tickets or host an auction
• Have students create and sell a school newspaper
• Have a sponsored dance-a-thon or basketball tournament
• Ask friends and neighbours to donate books for a book sale

Bottom line
 

Fundraisers are a great way to raise money for the school.  Parents can work together to come up with fundraising ideas that support healthy food choices. 

You may also be interested in:

Bake It Up!

At-A-Glance Guide to Ontario’s School Food and Beverage Policy

What parents need to know about the new school food and beverage policy