Keeping It Healthy: Valentine’s FUNdraisers
Valentine’s Day has become a holiday that centers around love, friendship…and, to the dismay of parents and educators, candy!
While there’s reason to believe that cocoa beans are a rich source of antioxidants called “flavonoids”, the heavily processed, sugary chocolates and candy marketed at children and teens are ANYTHING BUT healthy.
From now until Valentine’s Day, Bag the Junk will be sharing ideas on how we can celebrate this lovely holiday – without all the sugar.
Healthy Fundraisers
We all know school budgets are tight, and many parent and school groups rely on fundraisers to help purchase resources for school-based programs.
Parent Teacher Association groups often turn to bake sales at which sweets are generally sold. But bake sales can undermine parents who are trying to build healthy habits at home – or worse, they can be dangerous for some as food allergies become more prevalent.
Luckily, there are other options. Healthy food fundraisers can be just as profitable! Try selling delicious, juicy fruit adorned with stickers featuring sweet sentiments such as “We make the perfect pear” or “Orange you glad you’re my valentine.”
Or consider selling carnations that can then be delivered to students’ homeroom classrooms along with a sweet note.
A stationary sale is a great way to get back to the letter-writing tradition of Valentine’s Day. And a craft sale, especially one that features “upcycled” crafts, celebrates creativity and inspires budding imaginations.
Use these healthy FUNdraisers as a springboard to start a conversation with your school principal about implementing a policy that promotes healthy foods and fosters learning readiness. We have a helpful sheet with tips on how to discuss healthy fundraising policies.
What are your favorite healthy ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Let us know in the comments below – and be sure to join us Friday, February 7 at 1 p.m. Eastern for our #FoodFri Twitter chat with MomsRising.org!