Texas was one of the first to jump on the bandwagon with restrictive rules regarding "foods of minimum nutritional value" (FMNV).

It did hit us for the in-school events like bake sales, snacks, muffins-with-mom, candy grams. But the big sales fundraisers were considered outside those rules since it didn't involve food to be consumed during school hours.

And over time a few exemptions have been passed. Our schools can each claim three exemption days per year so they can have specific celebrations/festivities.

The vendors ARE responding, but slowly. I spoke to one of the execs of a company that makes snow cone syrup 2 years ago asking if they were going to come out with fruit juice based flavors as we use snow cones a lot for rewards and such (or used to). They were "thinking about it" then. No progress yet that I've seen.

I would suggest doing a magazine sale. There is no product to deliver and it is renewable year after year. We tried Great American Opportunities last year and they were great! This year we will be given a card for each student who sold a magazine last year. The card will have the customer's name, phone number and the name of the magazine they ordered so the student can call that customer and ask for a renewal. They also have online shopping and we get 40/50% profit depending on what is purchased.

The kids would be selling them after school so could that be an out too!!!! Just a thought!!!

We went through this this past year, but being we had several of the school board members are active in the PTO they placed a provision to allow the PTO to sell food items for fundraisers. We have been working with them though and we have adapted some of our other things. But that rule of no fundraising with food will kill alot of PTO's and their fundraising in my book at least.

Cindy

Thanks everyone. We did go over the written guidelines yesterday evening. They do include a section regarding PTO's. Eveything is pretty much spelled out in it. Fortunately, it specifically states from the time the first student arrives in the mornig until the dismissal. School sponsored and PTO *events* are exempt as long as it is not during school hours.

I did realize this afternoon that the contract we signed for the three fundraisers was signed and approved by the board of Ed last school year so there is our little loop hole. After speaking with members of the adminstration this afternoon, it also became clear that the regulations will be immplemented slowly through the course of the year.

In the long run, this isn't entirely a bad thing as far as the fundraising. We are looking to goto one or two fundraisers that don't involve the cookie dough, trinkets and such...perhaps more along the lines of a read-a-thon and a basket bash. This is just the kick in the rear we need to make the change

thanks for your help

Also the 'Food Gestapo' in some states doesnt stop before, after school hours or already planned fundraisers (some are Grandfathered)

[ 08-21-2006, 10:07 PM: Message edited by: Shawn ]

Coll;

First off, most fundraising companies are aware of the changing regulatory climate. See if they have alternatives available.
Also contact the local school administration and explain your circumstances, and ask for suggestions. (you never can tell)

Please know that in most areas, PTO's and PTA's though they may be separate from the school, are subject to the same regulations on nutrition, etc.