Bag the Bake Sale

In just one week the period for commenting on the USDA’s proposed rule on nutrition standards for snack foods and beverages sold in schools (i.e. competitive foods) will close and the USDA will begin the process of finalizing the rule. One item still up for debate is how to handle school fundraisers. The USDA reports that more than half of all schools currently do not allow fundraisers that sell sweet or salty foods. But that still leaves a large number of schools and parent organizations that do sell unhealthy foods; schools that are raising funds at the expense of student health.

The USDA recognizes that schools depend on revenues from school stores, vending machines, and fundraisers to support student clubs, field trips, equipment needs, and other expenses. At this time the proposed rule for competitive foods sold at school will not apply to items sold during non-school hours, weekends, or off-campus fundraising events, such as concessions during sporting events and school plays.

Regardless of what happens in Washington, there is nothing that prohibits schools and districts from addressing this issue now. Selling unhealthy foods and drinks to students, or asking them to sell these items to others, sends the wrong message to students about healthy eating. And when there are so many other ways to raise money, why do schools keep relying on food to fill their coffers?

Ready to bag the bake sale? Here are 5 fun and fresh ideas for healthy fundraising, submitted by schools participating in the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s Healthy Schools Program:

• Crestview Elementary in Carlisle, PA held a fundraising campaign called Promotion Motion. Students obtained sponsors and then participated in various challenges each week such as TV Free Week, No Fast Food Week and a Family Fitness Challenge. Educators and parents participated and there was a tremendous response from local businesses. They raised $31,322 in six weeks of healthy activities!

• High Bridge Elementary School in Prince George’s County, MD raised $3,000 during a 30 minute “Fun Run.” Students asked for donations per lap and ran as many as they could in 30 minutes. The funds were to be used for a new school playground so the students were extra motivated. Raising $100 per minute while being active? A win-win for all.

• Lexington High School in Lexington, NE used to encourage students to buy an orange soda for their “crush” on Valentine’s Day. Then they realized they could still use the clever concept with a healthier product. This year the school offered “cutie” oranges and sold 425 of them!

• The Woodstock 200 School District in Woodstock, IL decided to host a district wide fundraiser to help all schools raise money for wellness efforts. The Fit for the Future event started with a three mile walk, followed by exhibits, speakers, and activities. Students asked for pledges for the walk and families chipped in $5 to attend. The district raised more than $10,000 which was given back to the schools for physical education equipment.

• The Kearney Public School District in Nebraska partnered with a local landscaping company to offer garden starter plants to families, with a portion of each sale going back to their school. The sale complemented garden-related lessons the students received in the classroom and encouraged families to grow and eat their own healthy food. The sale brought in more than $7,000 for the district which gave it back to participating schools to use for wellness efforts.

Have a healthy fundraising story from your school to share? Visit the Share page or e-mail [email protected] to tell us your story and be featured on BagtheJunk.org!