Healthy fundraising in NYC elementary schools

INTRODUCTION: School fundraisers often involve the sale of foods high in fat, sugar, salt and calories. Recognizing the importance of the entire school food environment in combating childhood obesity, the NYC Department of Education's citywide Wellness Policy includes regulations on the nutritional content of foods sold for fundraising. However, implementation of the Policy varies across schools. METHODS: The Healthy Schools Program of the NYC Department of Health's District Public Health Office (DPHO) works with over 200 elementary schools in neighborhoods with significant health disparities to address obesity. In order to help local elementary schools limit the availability of unhealthy foods, the DPHOs developed a healthy fundraising initiative to 1) provide schools with alternative fundraising ideas, 2) reinforce the importance of consistent wellness messages, and 3) offer technical assistance to schools trying new fundraising activities. RESULTS: After reviewing existing resources and obtaining input from local schools, a healthy school fundraiser guidebook appropriate for schools in high-need NYC neighborhoods was developed. An evaluation of a series of Healthy Fundraising Workshops demonstrated their success in changing school staff and parent attitudes and beliefs about fundraising, and to date several schools have implemented new fundraising ideas with DPHO's technical assistance. DISCUSSION: School health promotion programs working at the local level can assist with the implementation and support of city-wide policies to improve the school food environment. Healthy school fundraisers have the promise to create normative change that contributes to consistent wellness messages and consumption of healthier foods.