Hi, we’re The Parents’ Jury, a not-for-profit online forum of over 5,000 parents, grandparents and carers who are interested in the food and physical activity environments of Australian children.  It’s free to join us and use your voice!   

We work to encourage healthier schools and an issue often mentioned by our members is schools using junk food as a fundraising activity.

Schools may have canteens that pride themselves on their healthy menus, high levels of physical activity and even gardens that teach children about the importance of fresh vegetables.  However, all this good work can be undermined if the school community chooses to raise money through selling unhealthy food.  What a contradictory message!

Research suggests schools can earn just as much money through healthy fundraising, as for junk food fundraising.  Schools and parents can source discounted or donated goods and services from local traders to be sold or auctioned off for profit. The Parents' Jury members have contributed the following suggestions:

• Apple slinky machines (makes spirals of apple) and apple slinky stall at school
• Apples direct from grower
• Children's stickers and labels
• Children's toys
• Craft project kits
• Energy efficient light globes
• ‘Entertainment' Books
• Frozen fruit ice creams (mashed banana base and add other fruit)
• Greeting cards printed with children's art work
• Jobs around the house such as window washing, gardening, etc
• Locally written books
• Newspaper and magazine subscriptions
• Personalized t-shirts
• Pasta drives
• Printed tea towels with kids’ drawings or photos
• Punnets of seedlings or bulbs
• Re-usable cloth shopping bags with school logo or children’s own designs
• Stationery items
• Theatre and movie tickets
• Toiletry products that can bought in bulk
• Toothpaste/toothbrush

A survey we undertook with schools in 2008 showed that schools welcome parents’ feedback and that many haven’t considered abolishing unhealthy fundraising because no one has complained about it so far. So, why not take the opportunity and approach your school with suggestions for change? 

For more information and suggestions, visit our site.  We also love getting suggestions, so please feel free to send us tips.