Keeping kids from sweets is a goal that is nearly impossible to achieve. We all know that sweets are one of the most successful products in fundraising events. However, we are also acutely aware that childhood obesity is a serous problem.
Exactly how can these two conflicting views be reconciled? As usual, balance is the key. Letting kids have free access to sweets will lead to disaster. However, we don’t need to be parents to realize that the more we try to keep kids from something, the more they will want to try it out.
For those fundraisers who need to use chocolates and other confectionaries in their initiatives, but who want to help teachers and parents protect children from health problems such as obesity and tooth decay, here are some useful tips:
- Emphasize the fact that your fundraising efforts, including through the sale of sweets, will benefit the whole community. Demonstrate that yours is a sensible and responsible organization working for the neighborhood.
- Respect the wishes of families to not participate in your organization’s fundraising event. Inform them that instead of purchasing sweets, they can show their support by donating a small amount of money.
- Work with teachers and parents to promote the values of nutritional education and lifestyle programs. Use your fundraising event as an opportunity to educate kids about “sometimes” foods and moderate consumption of sweets.
- Ensure that part of the money raised is used to support an activity-based initiative, such as a fun run or walkathon. Dynamically advocate for this activity in your community as you sell the sweets.
In short, there is nothing more important than our children’s well-being. While trying to raise funds, we should also endeavor to balance between consumption of sweets and pursuit of active and healthy lifestyles.






