Since I have started with BiddingForGood, we have often discussed the childhood obesity issue in the United States, specifically as it relates to school/kids fundraisers. Just check out my article on candy fundraisers from July of 2009.
Bakes sales and cookie fundraisers have been around for so long that it has taken time to educate the public on the health risk associated with them. Raising funds for schools should not inflict upon the health of anyone.
Our pitch has always been; use an online auction instead. Why not? BiddingForGood has raised over $150 Million for schools and nonprofits – with schools making up about 40% of the business.
Fortunately, it appears we are no longer alone in this fight. Just this week, the State of Massachusetts has been addressing the topic of banning bakes sales in schools due to the rise in childhood obesity. Although the ban has been lifted and the decision to run bake sales will be left in the hands of the individual communities, the State did a great thing by shedding light on this issue. New nutritional guidelines for schools will take effect this August, so progress has been made. In New York City, districts have successfully implemented bake sale bans that have now been in effect for over two years.
The topic of ditching bake sales has received national media coverage in the past, including an article from Lauren Silverman at NPR. Bakes sales are not just a part of childhood obesity, they are not effective forms of fundraising as others may be. People are just used to running bakes sales and they are comfortable doing them, so they continue to do so.
I’m not necessarily saying the state should dictate whether or not we can bake brownies for our kid’s school, I am just happy that there is awareness at a high level. Childhood obesity is real and it will not go away unless drastic changes are made within our kid’s schools. We cannot change what people choose to eat in their own homes, but as a tax payer, I would expect my community to act responsible with the food they serve my kids. Pink slime, need I say more?
Want to get more weigh in on this topic? Check out Brett Berk’s post on MomLogic and Sharon Otterman’s article for the New York Times.
What are your thoughts? Do you think there should be healthier ways of fundraising?