Fundraising with Food

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Fundraising with Food

Fundraising with food is one of the most effective and enjoyable ways for schools, PTAs, and voluntary groups to raise vital funds. Food-based events are easy to organise, encourage strong community involvement, and work brilliantly across every season.

Below are some creative and practical ideas to help you maximise your fundraising potential throughout the year, including winter-focused food events.

Halloween Food-Themed Games

Halloween is the perfect opportunity to introduce fun, food-based fundraising activities. Rather than simply selling treats, consider interactive games such as “spaghetti grab,” where tubs are filled with cooked spaghetti and sealed packets of sweets are hidden inside. Pupils can pay per turn to retrieve a prize.

For hygiene and safety, aprons, gloves, and handwashing stations should be available. This type of activity adds excitement and boosts fundraising while creating memorable experiences for pupils.

Winter Warming Food Events

Winter offers fantastic opportunities for fundraising with food, as people are naturally drawn to warm, comforting treats during colder months.

Some popular winter food fundraising ideas include:

Hot chocolate stations with flavoured syrups and toppings
Soup and roll lunches
Mince pie and mulled apple juice stalls
Christmas cracker cake sales
Festive bake-off competitions
Pancake flipping competitions for Shrove Tuesday

These events can be held indoors or under a covered outdoor area, making them ideal for winter fundraising.

School Food Markets and Street Food Events

Food markets continue to grow in popularity and work exceptionally well as school fundraising events. By inviting local businesses, parents, or community groups to host stalls, you can offer a wide range of cuisines and treats.

Holding your event in a street-market-style layout creates an authentic and exciting atmosphere, encouraging visitors to stay longer and return year after year.

Christmas and Festive Food Fairs

Festive food fairs are among the most successful winter fundraising events. You could include:

Gingerbread decorating stations
Christmas cookie decorating workshops
Festive afternoon tea events
Hot roast chestnut stands
Seasonal waffle or crêpe stalls

These experiences not only raise funds but also build strong community engagement.

Summer BBQs and School Fun Days

During warmer months, fundraising with food works perfectly alongside outdoor activities. Summer BBQs, family fun days, and picnic-style events are extremely popular.

You can sell burgers, hot dogs, vegetarian options, cold drinks, ice cream, and fruit pots while combining the event with games, raffles, and entertainment for maximum fundraising impact.

Plan Ahead for Greater Fundraising Success

By planning a calendar of food-themed events throughout the year, schools and PTAs can maintain a steady stream of fundraising activity.

To help you get started, download our School Fundraising Pack, packed with creative ideas and practical tips to help you reach your fundraising goals.

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