Your kids want you to help raise money for a class project. What can you do? A healthy bake sale may be just the fundraiser you need. With the nation trending towards a healthier lifestyle for our kids, a bake sale is a natural choice!
Bake sales have traditionally consisted of high calorie, high fat, sugar laden, (and delicious) goodies that are hard on our health. It doesn’t have to be that way. There are many recipes available using natural and organic ingredients, as well as less refined sugar. Find some lower fat and less sugary recipes that use whole wheat or brown rice flour instead of processed bleached flour. Plan a meeting to decide who makes what, and to assemble a materials list.
Contact local grocery stores and explain that you are having special fundraiser to raise awareness for health. Ask if they will donate ingredients, paper products, and other items such as plastic ware for serving. Plan a distribution date so the volunteer cooks can pick up their needed items, and offer free advertising to each store by posting signs at your sale.
Get permission from the school principal or administrator to have the bake sale on school property, or find another venue that will work well. A social or sporting event are both good places to set up some tables and offer health conscious snacks. Make sure you have several of everything – one to slice samples from and serve, and others to sell by the slice or the whole dish!
Many local television and radio stations have times set aside specifically for community announcements. Check with them early because many need to have the information several weeks in advance of the date aired. Posters and flyers are other good ways of getting the word out about the bake sale.
Have small plates and napkins available if you are offering individual servings. Lightweight cardboard boxes lined with parchment paper work well for take home size portions. Your healthy bake sale is sure to be a hit!
Keep track of best seller items for your next fundraiser, and make your sale a recurring event. Keep a sharp lookout for recipes that will rival the old sweet standbys, and don’t forget to thank your grocers in person for their donations of materials – a framed letter of gratitude is easy to make and they will be willing to help again next time!
