27 Effective Food Fundraising Ideas for Schools

Food fundraising ideas for schools are fun and engaging ways you can raise money to give your students and teachers the supplies and programs they need to succeed. From simple food and drink stands to more elaborate events and competitions, most students, parents and members of the community enjoy events that feature both new and different foods and old favorites. 

This list of 26 different food fundraisers for schools can help you find ways to raise money that fit your schedule and resources. Explore this guide for help deciding on a food fundraiser that is affordable, feasible and fun for your volunteers and the school community. 

Table of Contents:

• Local Restaurant Partnerships
• Bake Sale
• Pizza Party
• Chili Cook-off
• Pancake Breakfast
• Food Truck Festival
• Candy Bar Sale
• International Food Fair
• Farmers Market Fundraiser
• Lemonade Stand
• Hot Chocolate Bar
• Pie Auction
• BBQ Cook-off
• Nacho Bar
• S'mores Night
• Soup Sale
• Cake Walk
• Donut Sale
• Taco Tuesday
• Ice Cream Social
• Sports Team Spirit Night
• Sandwich Day
• Smoothie-Making Challenge
• Tea Party
• Bagel and Cream Cheese Sale

1. Local Restaurant Partnerships

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Moderate 

For help with food fundraisers, your school doesn’t have to go it alone. Local restaurants are often willing to offer discounted rates for catering. They are often willing to pitch in a percentage of the proceeds. Many will do this out of kindness, but one thing schools can do for them in return is to create a sponsors page on their district website and then link to their websites from that page.  

This helps the restaurant assisting your school with food fundraising to rank a little better in local searches, drawing more individuals to their establishments. The reason for this is that school websites are viewed as trustworthy sources by search engines like Google. 

If you’re looking for restaurants willing to offer discounted rates for school fundraisers in your area, one of the best tools is GroupRaise. 

Using GroupRaise is a brilliant strategy for schools seeking to fundraise in an effective and delicious way. By leveraging this resource, you can locate restaurants in your area that not only offer discounted rates for catering, but also donate a portion of the proceeds back to your cause. This platform essentially turns your event's catering need into an additional fundraising opportunity. What makes GroupRaise particularly beneficial is its extensive network of participating restaurants, offering a wide variety of cuisines to suit every taste. It simplifies the process of finding and booking a restaurant, making your fundraising efforts more efficient and enjoyable. 

2. Bake Sale

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Moderate 

A bake sale is a classic and effective food fundraising idea for schools. To make it successful, consider having a variety of treats such as cookies, brownies, cupcakes and cakes. Encourage parents, teachers, and students to donate their homemade baked goods. You can also offer healthier options such as fruit or vegetable trays for those who may prefer them. 

When organizing a bake sale, put a clear plan in place. First, establish a timeline for when the bake sale will take place and begin promoting it to parents and students. 

Consider having a designated area for the bake sale, such as a table or booth, and make sure to have all the necessary supplies such as tablecloths, plates and napkins. It's also a good idea to have a cash box or a point-of-sale system to ensure a smooth transaction process. 

To attract customers, set up an attractive display with clear price tags and friendly smiles. Think about adding signs or decorations to make your booth stand out. 

You can also offer special deals, such as buy one get one free, to encourage people to purchase more items. Finally, don't forget to have enough volunteers to help with setup, sales and cleanup. 

3. Pizza Party

• Cost: $$ 
• Difficulty: Easy 

Parties for food fundraisers for schools are great fun, and a pizza party is an excellent idea to consider! Partner with a local pizzeria to host a pizza party for your school community. 

You can offer a variety of toppings and sizes to appeal to everyone's taste buds. Don't forget to have gluten-free or vegetarian options as well. Charge a fee per slice and consider offering discounts for bulk purchases. 

To organize a successful pizza party fundraiser, try to find a reliable and affordable pizzeria to partner with. Establish a clear agreement on how the profits will be split and any other logistics. 

Promote the pizza party fundraiser through social media, school newsletters and flyers. Make sure to clarify whether the pizza party will take place during lunchtime or after school and include any other relevant information such as date and time. 

You can also offer additional items such as salads or drinks to go with the pizza. Consider having a designated area for the pizza party and enough tables and chairs for everyone to sit comfortably. It's also important to have volunteers to help with the setup, sales and cleanup. 

4. Chili Cook-off

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Moderate 

Hosting a chili cook-off is a fun way to raise funds and promote friendly competition among parents and teachers. You can charge admission to taste and judge the entries. Encourage participants to make their chilis unique and add their own spin to the recipes. 

To organize a chili cook-off, establish clear guidelines and rules for participation. Clarify the date, time and location of the event and promote it through social media, school newsletters and flyers. 

Encourage attendees to bring their own toppings or side dishes to complement the chili. Don't forget to have all the necessary supplies such as spoons, bowls and napkins. 

Consider having a designated area for cooking and serving the chili. It's a good idea to have enough volunteers to help with the setup, judging and cleanup. You can also offer prizes or awards for the best chili, such as a gift card or a trophy. Finally, make sure to have a clear system for collecting admission fees and any other donations. 

5. Pancake Breakfast

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Easy 

You can host a pancake breakfast as a food fundraiser for school before classes or on the weekend. Charge a fee for admission and offer a variety of toppings such as maple syrup, butter, whipped cream and fruit. You can also consider offering alternative options such as gluten-free or vegan pancakes. 

To organize a successful pancake breakfast fundraiser, establish a clear plan for when and where it will take place. Clarify the menu and any additional items such as coffee or juice. 

Promote the pancake breakfast fundraiser with flyers, social media and school newsletters. Make sure to have all the necessary supplies such as a griddle, pancake mix and toppings. Consider having a designated area for cooking and serving the pancakes. 

To attract attendees, consider offering special deals or discounts, such as a family pack or an early bird price. Don't forget to have enough volunteers to help with the setup, cooking and cleanup. 

It's also wise to have a clear system for collecting admission fees and any other donations. Finally, consider having activities or games to entertain attendees and make the event more enjoyable. 

6. Food Truck Festival

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Moderate 

Hosting a food truck festival on school grounds is a fun way to bring the community together, so it’s a great food fundraising idea for school. Partner with local food trucks and charge admission and a percentage of the profits. Offer a variety of food options such as tacos, burgers, ice cream and more. 

To organize a food truck festival, it's important to find reliable and popular food trucks to partner with. Establish a clear agreement on how the profits will be split and any other logistics.  

Consider having a designated area for the food trucks plus tables and chairs where attendees can sit and enjoy their food. Make sure to have all the necessary supplies such as garbage cans and recycling bins. 

To promote the food truck festival, use social media, flyers and school newsletters to spread the word. With registration software, it's easy to track the date, time and location of the event and to clarify those details for attendees. 

7. Candy Bar Sale

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Easy 

Partnering with a local candy shop or ordering candy bars in bulk can make for an exciting and engaging food fundraiser for school. Sell candy bars during lunch or after school, with a portion of the profits going to the school. 

To cater to diverse tastes, offer a variety of candy types, such as chocolate bars, gummy candies and lollipops. For a healthier twist, consider offering gourmet chocolate bars with nuts and dried fruits. 

This fundraiser is an easy way to raise money with minimal setup and can be a hit with students, teachers and parents. To increase interest, create a catchy slogan and colorful posters promoting the event. 

You can also offer incentives, such as a small prize for the student who sells the most candy bars. By involving the whole school community in the candy bar fundraiser, you can create a fun and collaborative atmosphere while raising funds for a good cause. 

8. International Food Fair

• Cost: $$ 
• Difficulty: Moderate 

Organizing an international food fair at your school can showcase the diverse culinary traditions of your community while raising money. Encourage parents, teachers and students to prepare dishes from their cultural backgrounds and set up booths to sell these dishes during lunchtime or after school. 

You can charge a fee for ticketed admission or sell food tickets that can be redeemed at the various booths. This event not only raises funds for the school but also promotes cultural awareness and appreciation. To make the event even more engaging, consider incorporating live music or cultural performances by students and local artists. 

Additionally, hosting cooking demonstrations or inviting guest speakers to discuss the cultural significance of different foods can add an educational aspect to this food fundraising idea for school. When you celebrate the diversity of your school community with an international food fair, you can foster a sense of unity and provide a unique learning experience. 

9. Farmers Market Fundraiser

• Cost: $$ 
• Difficulty: Moderate 

Partnering with local farmers and vendors to set up a mini farmers market on school grounds can provide a fresh and healthy way to raise funds. Charge a fee for vendor participation and allocate a portion of the sales to the school. 

This fundraiser not only supports local businesses but also encourages healthy eating habits among students, teachers and parents. The farmers market can offer a range of products, such as: 

• Fresh fruits and vegetables 
• Homemade jams and preserves 
• Artisanal bread
• Locally sourced honey 

To make the event more engaging, consider hosting workshops or demonstrations on topics like gardening, cooking with seasonal ingredients or sustainable farming practices. Inviting local musicians or performers to entertain shoppers can also add to the festive atmosphere. 

By promoting the farmers market through social media, newsletters and flyers, you can generate interest and excitement within the community. The farmers market fundraiser can be a great way to connect your school with the local community while raising money for a worthy cause. So, you can achieve two food fundraiser for school goals in one focused effort. 

10. Alcohol-Free Apple Cider Sale

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Moderate 

Selling fresh non-alcoholic apple cider during the fall season can be a lucrative and seasonally appropriate food fundraising idea for schools. Start by purchasing apples in bulk from a local orchard or farmer's market and renting or borrowing an apple press. 

Enlist the help of parents, teachers and students to press the apples on-site, creating a fun, interactive experience. You can sell the fresh apple cider by the cup or offer it in larger quantities in reusable containers. 

To expand the fundraiser, consider selling other apple-related products such as: 

• Apple butter
• Apple pies
• Caramel apples
• Apple strudel 

Promote the apple cider sale through school newsletters, social media and flyers around the community to generate excitement and anticipation. Hosting the apple cider sale during a school event, like a football game or a fall festival, can increase visibility and encourage greater participation from the community. 

11. Lemonade Stand

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Easy 

Setting up a lemonade stand during a school event can be a simple yet effective way to raise funds while providing a refreshing treat for attendees. Charge a fee for each cup of lemonade and offer options such as: 

• Traditional lemonade 
• Strawberry lemonade
• Raspberry lemonade

• Arnold Palmer (lemonade mixed with iced tea) 

To involve students in the fundraiser, have them take turns manning the stand and selling the lemonade. Encourage creativity by having students design and decorate the lemonade stand and create promotional materials like signs and banners. 

If you have the resources, consider offering freshly squeezed lemonade, which can be a selling point for customers. For added fun, host a friendly competition between different classes or grade levels to see who can sell the most lemonade. 

The lemonade stand fundraiser is a great way to involve students in the fundraising process. It also teaches them valuable skills such as teamwork, customer service and money management. 

12. Hot Chocolate Bar

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Easy 

Setting up a hot chocolate bar during the winter season can be a cozy and enticing food fundraiser for school. Offer a variety of hot chocolate flavors, such as classic, peppermint or white chocolate, and charge a fee for each cup. 

Enhance the experience by providing a selection of toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate chips and candy canes. To create a festive atmosphere, decorate the hot chocolate bar with winter-themed decor and play holiday music. You can even offer seasonal treats like cookies or gingerbread alongside the hot chocolate to boost sales. 

To engage the school community, have students, parents and teachers volunteer to staff the hot chocolate bar during lunch or after school. Advertise the hot chocolate bar through school announcements, social media and flyers to generate excitement and anticipation. 

Hosting the hot chocolate bar during a winter-themed school event or sports game can further increase visibility and participation. 

13. Pie Auction

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Moderate 

Hosting a pie auction can be a fun and interactive food fundraising idea for school. Start by having parents and teachers donate homemade pies in a variety of flavors, such as apple, cherry or pumpkin. 

Display the pies on tables during a school event, allowing attendees to admire the mouthwatering selection before the auction begins. Hire an auctioneer or enlist a charismatic volunteer to auction off the pies one by one to the highest bidder. 

To create a lively atmosphere, encourage friendly bidding wars between attendees and celebrate the winning bids with applause and cheers. In addition to raising money through the auction, you can sell admission tickets to the event or offer additional baked goods for purchase. 

Promote the pie auction through school newsletters, social media and community flyers. This way you can generate interest and excitement among potential attendees. 

To make the event even more engaging, consider incorporating a pie-baking contest where participants can submit their best pie recipes for judging by a panel of local food experts or school staff. This can create a fun and competitive element to the fundraiser, encouraging more people to get involved. 

14. BBQ Cook-off

• Cost: $$ 
• Difficulty: Moderate 

Organizing a BBQ cook-off can be a delicious and entertaining way to raise funds for your school. Invite parents, teachers and local community members to compete in creating the best BBQ recipe, with categories like ribs, pulled pork or grilled vegetables. 

Charge admission to the event, which can include tasting and judging the various entries. To make the cook-off more exciting, award prizes for the top recipes in each category, as determined by a panel of judges or by popular vote from the attendees. Provide side dishes, drinks and desserts for sale to complement the BBQ offerings and increase the funds raised. 

If one of the goals for your food fundraiser for school is to create a festive atmosphere, consider incorporating live music, games or activities for children, turning the cook-off into a fun-filled community event. Promote the BBQ cook-off through school newsletters, social media and community flyers to generate interest and excitement among potential participants and attendees. 

15. Nacho Bar

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Moderate 

Hosting a nacho bar during lunchtime or after school can be a tasty and engaging food fundraising idea for school. Offer a variety of toppings, such as: 

• Cheese sauce 
• Chili 
• Jalapeños 
• Sour cream 
• Guacamole
• Salsa 

You should charge a fee for each plate of nachos. To accommodate different dietary needs, provide options like vegetarian chili, dairy-free cheese and gluten-free tortilla chips. To involve the school community, have students, parents and teachers volunteer to staff the nacho bar and help with setup and cleanup. 

When it comes to promoting school fundraisers, advertise the nacho bar through school announcements, social media and flyers to generate excitement and anticipation among students and staff. Hosting the nacho bar during a school event, like a sports game or a club fair, can further increase visibility and participation. 

16. S'mores Night

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Easy 

Organizing a s'mores night after school or on the weekend can be a sweet and memorable way to raise funds for your school. Charge a fee for admission, which includes all the necessary supplies for making s'mores, such as marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate and roasting sticks. 

Set up fire pits or portable fire bowls in a safe outdoor area and provide seating for attendees to gather around and roast marshmallows. To create a cozy atmosphere, decorate the area with string lights and provide blankets for guests to use. You can also offer additional snacks and drinks for sale, like hot chocolate or apple cider, to complement the s'mores. 

To make the event more engaging, consider incorporating live music, storytelling or outdoor games for attendees to enjoy. Promote the s'mores night through school newsletters, social media and community flyers to generate interest and excitement among potential attendees. 

17. Soup Sale

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Moderate 

Having parents and teachers donate homemade soup for a soup sale can be a warm and comforting way to raise funds for your school. Sell the soup during lunch or after school, offering a variety of flavors to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. 

Provide options like vegetarian or vegan soups, gluten-free bread and dairy-free alternatives to ensure that everyone can participate. To involve the school community, have students, parents and teachers volunteer to help serve the soup and assist with setup and cleanup. 

Advertise the soup sale through school announcements, social media and flyers to generate excitement and anticipation among students and staff. Hosting the soup sale during a school event, like a parent-teacher conference or a winter concert, can further increase visibility and participation. 

18. Cake Walk

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Easy 

Organizing a cake walk can be a fun and interactive food fundraiser for school. Start by having parents and teachers donate homemade cakes in a variety of flavors and sizes. 

Set up a designated area for the cake walk game, with numbered spaces arranged in a circle. Charge admission for participants to join the game and have them walk around the circle as music plays. 

When the music stops, draw a random number, and the participant standing in the corresponding space wins a cake. To make the event more engaging, consider incorporating multiple rounds of the cake walk, allowing more people to participate and win cakes. 

In addition to raising money through the game, you can sell additional baked goods or refreshments at the event. Promote the cake walk through school newsletters, social media and community flyers to generate interest and excitement among potential participants and attendees. 

19. Donut Sale

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Easy 

Another food fundraising idea for school is selling sweet and satisfying donuts during lunch or after school. Partner with a local bakery to purchase donuts at a discounted price or make them on-site if resources allow. Offer a variety of flavors, such as: 

• Glazed 
• Chocolate 
• Jelly-filled 
• Cream-filled 

To accommodate different dietary needs, provide options like vegan or gluten-free donuts. To involve the school community, have students, parents and teachers volunteer to help sell the donuts and assist with setup and cleanup. 

Advertise the donut sale through school announcements, social media and flyers to generate excitement and anticipation among students and staff. Hosting the donut sale during a school event, like a morning assembly or a club fair, can further increase visibility and participation. 

20. Taco Tuesday

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Easy 

When it comes to food fundraisers for schools, a taco night is a delicious and easy way to raise funds. Offer a variety of fillings such as beef, chicken and vegetarian options. Consider providing toppings such as salsa, guacamole and cheese. 

To create a successful taco night, establish a clear plan for when and where it will take place. Clarify the menu and any additional items such as tortillas or napkins. 

Promote the event through social media, school newsletters and flyers. Consider having a designated area for serving the tacos and enough volunteers to assist with the setup, sales and cleanup. 

To attract attendees, consider providing special deals such as a family pack or an early bird price. You can also provide additional items such as chips or churros to complement the tacos. Finally, ensure you have a clear payment system in place. 

21. Ice Cream Social

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Easy 

When it comes to desserts for fundraisers, an ice cream social is a delightful and enjoyable food fundraiser for schools. You can offer a variety of flavors and toppings to cater to everyone's tastes. 

To create a successful ice cream social, establish a clear plan for when and where it will take place. Clarify the menu and any additional items such as cones or bowls. Promote the ice cream social through social media, school newsletters and flyers. Consider having a designated area for serving the ice cream and enough volunteers to assist with the setup, sales and cleanup. 

Consider providing special deals such as a family pack or an early bird price. You can also provide additional items such as root beer floats or sundaes. Finally, ensure you have an efficient payment and donation collection system in place. 

22. Sports Team Spirit Night

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Moderate 

Hosting a sports team spirit night as a food fundraiser for school can be a fun way to bring the community together while also raising money to support the team's needs. To organize a successful sports team spirit night, there are a few important steps to follow. 

First, select a date for the event that does not conflict with any major school or community events. Then, reach out to local businesses and community members to secure donations of snacks, drinks and team merchandise to sell during the event. You can also work with local restaurants to offer a percentage of their profits during a designated time period to the school sports team. 

Next, advertise the event to parents, students and the community using flyers, social media and other communication channels. Encourage attendees to wear the school sports team's colors or merchandise to show their support. 

On the day of the event, set up booths or tables to sell the donated snacks, drinks and merchandise. Consider offering a variety of options to appeal to different tastes and dietary restrictions. You can also have raffles or silent auctions for larger items, such as autographed team jerseys or game tickets. 

23. Sandwich Day

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Easy 

Sandwich days are excellent food fundraising ideas for schools. However, to ensure a successful event, several factors need to be taken into consideration. 

Firstly, try to offer a variety of sandwiches and wraps that cater to different tastes and dietary restrictions. This may include vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free options. It's also crucial to determine the cost of each item and set a price that is reasonable and attractive to students. 

Promoting the event through school communication channels is essential to create buzz and ensure maximum participation. Advertise Sandwich Day in school newsletters, flyers, social media platforms and classroom announcements. Also, use visually appealing images of the sandwiches to generate interest. 

On the day of the event, it's essential to set up a designated selling area that is easily accessible and visible to students. The area should be staffed by volunteers who are responsible for selling the sandwiches, handling money and ensuring that the area remains clean and organized. 

24. Smoothie-Making Challenge

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Easy 

Hosting a smoothie-making competition for students and teachers can be a fun and healthy way to raise money for your school. 

To host a successful smoothie challenge, invite students and teachers to create their own unique smoothie recipes using healthy ingredients. Set a date for the event, charge an admission fee and determine the judging criteria. 

On the day of the event, have volunteers available to help with smoothie prep and serving. Consider having a smoothie-making demonstration for added fun. Finally, announce the winners and provide prizes. 

25. Tea Party

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Easy 

A tea party fundraiser is a great way to bring together parents, teachers, students and community members to raise funds for school programs and initiatives. To organize a successful event, it is essential to plan and prepare in advance. One of the first steps is to select a suitable venue that can accommodate the number of guests expected to attend. 

The venue should be able to provide the necessary amenities such as tables, chairs and kitchen facilities to ensure a smooth event. It's also a good idea to think about the décor of the venue and create a suitable atmosphere that aligns with the sophistication of a tea party. A tea party may take place at a school or rented space, such as a hotel or a community center. 

Offering a variety of teas and snacks is essential for a tea party fundraiser. There should be a range of teas to cater to different preferences, including black, green, herbal and fruit teas. Offer an assortment of snacks, such as scones, sandwiches and biscuits to complement the tea. 

26. Bagel and Cream Cheese Sale

• Cost: $ 
• Difficulty: Easy 

The last food fundraising idea for schools on the list is a bagel and cream cheese sale. Partnering with a local bagel shop or making them on-site can be an easy and popular food fundraiser for schools. 

Reach out to local bagel shops to see if they would be willing to donate or discount bagels for the event. If not, try purchasing bagels in bulk from a local bakery or grocery store. 

Then, decide on the cost of each bagel and cream cheese. Be sure to factor in the cost of ingredients, packaging and any labor costs. 

On the day of the event, set up a designated selling area for the bagels and cream cheese, such as a table or booth. Think about offering a variety of bagel flavors and cream cheese options to provide more variety. Have volunteers available to help with sales and bagel prep, such as toasting and spreading cream cheese. 

27. Using School Fundraising Software 

Using Vanco's school fundraising software can significantly enhance schools' food fundraising efforts. This software provides a centralized platform for managing all aspects of your fundraiser, from ticket sales and donations to reporting and analytics. By automating these processes, schools can boost revenue and efficiency. One of the standout features is its ability to handle online payments, making it convenient for parents and community members to participate in fundraisers digitally. Additionally, the software’s analytical tools allow schools to track progress in real-time and identify successful fundraising strategies. Vanco's fundraising software is an invaluable tool for schools seeking to optimize their fundraising endeavors. 

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In this free resource you'll find...

• General Donation Request Letters  
• Request Letters for School Supplies  
• Letters for School Fundraisers  
• Letters for School Events  
• Request Letters for Food  
• Donation Letters for Sporting Events  
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• Fundraising Letters to Parents 

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