Of all the wisdom that we pass on to our kids, a leaf from the book definitely says "health is wealth." So as we teach them to take care of their most precious asset, the onus lies with the parents and the teachers to initiate the process. This holds true even when you, as a member of the PTA or as a teacher is working on organizing a fundraiser. The purpose of a fundraiser is clear but it should not be the focus of it all. There are other things that need equal attention and healthy fundraising is something that has caught the attention of one and all in the current times.
The reasons for this are many. Obesity has emerged as a threat to children and young adults of the country. It has attained endemic proportions and you can come across worried parents at every educational institution. The state legislature also recognizes the seriousness of the situation and hence its wellness policies to counter the increasing cases of obesity.
The schools should have a wellness policy in place so that the fundraisers are organized in accordance to the rules and regulations laid out in the same. The laws should be in tandem with Section 204 of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004. In fact the concern of the authorities is apparent from the fact that some of the states have a much stricter wellness policy in place that outscores even federal policy. Though the policy may vary slightly from one school to another, from one region to another, the basic guidelines remain the same. The task of formulating a wellness policy is left to the local authorities as they are the ones who are fully aware of the nutritional requirements of their respective communities. California has led the way for other states to follow its implementation of the California SB-12.
California fundraising snacks thereby have to abide by the norms set by the health department of the state. According to the law, each snack should have less than 10% of the calories from the saturated fats, less than 35% sugar by weight and less than 35% sugar by weight. Now the wellness policies of all California schools include this clause. The rules for elementary school fundraisers are different. After the introduction of the law in 2007, it has become compulsory for all California schools to follow these norms while organizing a fundraiser. A chocolate fundraiser is a strict no-no in all schools of the state.
Though it may appear that these wellness policies have hardly left any room for organizing a successful fundraiser, on the contrary, it has opened the gates for healthy fundraising solutions. There are healthy alternatives to all the junk food and the candies that the children gorged on as their parents almost freaked out. Fundraising Rice Krispies Treats and various other low calorie healthy snacks have taken the place of all the fatty and sugary stuff. Without compromising on the taste, these snacks are sure to be a runaway success with kids.
Author Resource:-
Alec Moreland promotes wellness, nutrition and healthy snacks in fundraising to reduce obesity and Type 2 Diabetes in schools. "America's #1 Healthy Snack Fundraiser" is The Chocolate Alternative.
Healthy_Fundraising_Solutions Contact Alec at alec@healthyfundraisingsolutions.com
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