Satisfy Your Hunger for Funds: Food Fundraising Ideas That Work

5 Food Fundraising Ideas for Your School.

Do you need help selecting the right kind of fundraiser for your school? Food fundraising may be the answer. Capitalize on this knowledge and utilize food as a way to gain capital.

Food Fundraising Ideas

Food fundraising ideas for schools are endless. You can adhere to the basics, such as selling cookie dough and candy, or go to a food-related event, such as a dinner gala or cookout. We will focus on unique and one-of-a-kind food fundraisers. Let’s take a look.

Concessions or Snack Bar

Set up a concession or snack bar. This can be done in the hallways between periods, in the parking lot after school, at sports games, or an event. Add a food bar to a fundraising event to get the most bang for your buck.

Cooking Class

Host a cooking class. This may appeal to students, parents, and community members. Ideas include handmade pasta, gluten-free dessert, and international cuisines. Be sure to make portions big enough to take home for seconds!

Bake-Off or Cook-Off

Host a bake-off or cook-off. This is a great way to get the community together, have fun, and test out some tasty treats. Charge admission to the event and a registration fee to enter the contest. Another way to add to this idea is to sell goods at the contest.

Eating Contest

An eating contest is a unique and fun way to raise funds. A typical example of this is a pie-eating contest. Charge registration to the contest and admission to view. Up the fun factor with a desirable prize for the winner.

Food Pairing Event

This is a great event to market to the parents. Food pairing event examples include beer and appetizer and wine and dessert pairings. The atmosphere can be elegant or casual, depending on your preference. Charge admission to the event. For bonus dollars, hold a raffle at the pairing.

Food Fundraising Ideas: FAQ

Below we answer some common questions about food fundraising for schools.

Why Host a Food Fundraising Event?

Food fundraisers are time-tested and profitable. Everyone likes to eat, and there are many food options.

Are There Other Ways to Fundraise with Food?

The examples we shared are unique and engaging ways to fundraise with food. However, simply selling by catalog, whether virtual or in-person, is still a promising option. Food items to consider selling include cookie dough, chocolate bars, and popcorn

Are Food Fundraisers Successful?

Food fundraisers have proven to be successful. With this said, your school should still ensure it is taking steps to maximize returns. Take time to plan your raise, recruit and incentivize participants, and market to your donors. Note how successful your food fundraiser is and utilize this information when planning a food fundraiser in future campaigns.

Author Bio

Clay Boggess has been designing fundraising programs for schools and various nonprofit organizations throughout the US since 1999. He’s helped administrators, teachers, and outside support entities such as PTAs and PTOs raise millions of dollars. Clay is an owner and partner at Big Fundraising Ideas.