Creative and Healthy Fundraising Ideas

Healthy FUNdraising Ideas!
Fundraising encourages students to get creative and build connections with teachers, peers, and the surrounding community. Here is a good list of suggestions, but don’t be afraid to think outside the box! .Fund raising doesn't always have to be just about food! . Sometimes the simplest ideas make the biggest impact!  If you don't find something from the list below that fits your school, please check out the links at the bottom of the page for more ideas.

Non-food fundraisers

★     Hat day

★     Make valentines

★     Hand sanitizer

★     Face masks

★     Hula hoop-a-thon

     ★     Basketball competition

★     Rent a student classroom helper

★     Upcycle old jars or containers

★     Guess how many items in a jar

★     Pin the apple on the tree branch

★     Stress balls

★     Sidewalk chalk contest

★     Escape room

★     Design your yearbook

Food-related fundraisers

★     Food video challenge

★     Homemade dip/dressing packets

★     Prepare healthy dishes from other cultures

★     Plant, grow, and eat fresh

★     Canned food drive

★     Try unusual fruits/vegetables

★     Hummus kits

★     Grocery store coupons

★     Healthy baked goods

★     Boxes of “imperfect” fruits/vegetables to cook or bake with (overripe bananas, slightly bruised veggies)

★     Make your own popcorn kits

★     MyPlate grocery store scavenger hunt

★     Loose leaf tea kits

Popcorn Kit

Includes:

Popcorn kernels

Olive oil

Directions for cooking popcorn on stovetop

3 different popcorn recipes

 

Directions for stovetop

1. Place 3 tablespoons oil in a tall pot over medium heat and add ⅔ cup popcorn kernels.
2. Cover pot with a lid.
3. When all kernels are popped, turn off the heat and remove.

 

Cinnamon swirl popcorn

⅔ cup popcorn kernels

1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon sugar

 

Rosemary parmesan popcorn

⅔ cup popcorn kernels

2 tbsp rosemary

2 tbsp parmesan

¼  tsp black pepper

¼ tsp garlic powder

 

Dark chocolate drizzle

⅔ cup popcorn kernels

¼ cup dark chocolate melting wafers

Pinch of flaky salt

  

Hummus Kit

Includes:

3 hummus recipes (red pepper, beet, white bean)

Chickpeas

Tahini

Garlic

Lemon juice

 

Directions for stovetop

1. Bring canned chickpeas to a boil on the stove and then reduce heat.
2. Simmer until very soft.
3. Place chickpeas in a food processor with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth and all ingredients are evenly combined.

 

For more ideas, visit these sites:

Team Nutrition Popular Events Idea Booklet | USDA-FNS

FNS Nutrition Programs | USDA-FNS

Fundraising | Alliance for a Healthier Generation

 

CHOOSE MINDFUL EATING OVER MINDLESS EATING

 

Life has truly changed as we know it. While continuing to navigate through the global pandemic and adapt to the new norm, it is important that health remains a priority.  Working from home and attending school remotely has become commonplace for ourselves and many of our loved ones. Managing stress properly and maintaining other healthy behaviors are important, especially as we are role models for those we care for. Whether it be our little ones, our teens, or our students – they all look up to us in some way. Providing a safe environment will support them to want to make healthy lifestyle choices. 

In this post-COVID-19 era, it’s likely to expect that your child or teen will have anywhere from 4-7 hours of screen time a day solely for school. Aside from this, the younger generation has also become consumed by social media apps, TV, and video games. These considerations, along with the fact that most people simply aren’t leaving their houses, make it easy to become mindless with eating habits.

Mindless eating is a real thing. And most people aren’t aware that they do it because the majority of food-related decisions that are made daily are dictated by our unconscious mind. Food is what fuels our brain and our body. So, it would only make sense that when our brain is distracted, it’s more difficult to make mindful choices. Distractions can result from various factors that include, but are not limited to: 

·       Eating when we aren’t even hungry, such as when we’re bored

·       Eating when we’re watching TV or a movie, or in a social setting with friends and family

·       Eating when we’re emotional

·       Eating when we see an advertisement/commercial that causes a craving that wasn’t there before

Mindless eating is directly related to overeating/undereating, stress, increased anxiety levels, and unintentional weight loss/gain. For this reason, it is beneficial to practice mindful eating rather than mindless eating.

Mindful eating is based on the concept of mindfulness, which, most simply put, is recognizing our physical, cognitive and emotional state in the present moment. It allows us to become more in tune with our emotions, feelings, and hunger/fullness cues when eating. Learning to become a mindful eater is important because it allows us to gain control over our eating habits and have a better relationship with food. Here are some tips and tricks that you can use to combat mindless eating and help you and your loved ones take on a more intuitive approach in your everyday lives:

1.     Eliminate screens and other distractions. Avoid watching TV or being on the computer and phone while eating. Focus on the actual act of eating by being in the present.

2.     Make family mealtimes special. Preparing dinner and cleaning up can be fun by including all family members! Have positive conversation at the table to promote a safe, healthy eating environment.

3.     Slow down. Allow yourself to enjoy your meal by taking your time. Pay attention to what you’re eating and how it makes you feel. Research shows that it takes your body 20-30 minutes to realize that you are actually feeling full. By learning to go slowly and to truly appreciate your food, you'll have a more pleasant eating experience. 

4.     Don’t forbid foods or use food as a reward. Forbidding certain foods will only make you or your child want those foods even more. This can cause an unhealthy relationship with food. Limit the portion size instead as this promotes a balanced eating pattern.

5.     Listen to your hunger cues. Learn to recognize and understand the difference between actual hunger and the non-hunger eating triggers. Are you stressed, bored, angry, or sad? Are you lonely? Or are you physically hungry? Asking yourself questions like these allows you to be mindful of how you feel in making a decision.

Learning to eat mindfully takes time and commitment, especially under the given circumstances our world is facing; these general tips can help guide you and your family in the right direction!

Written by Leila Ghaemi, UNH Dietetic Intern

References:

https://www.nchpad.org/1693/6799/Mindful~vs~~Mindless~Eating      https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5556586/ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/8-steps-to-mindful-eating https://www.peps.org/ParentResources/by-topic/baby-care/mindful-eating-for-familieshttps://www.eatright.org/health/weight-loss/your-health-and-your-weight/helping-kids-maintain-a-healthy-body-weight-a-cheat-sheet-for-success 

 

A QUICK GUIDE TO MAKING THE MOST OF LAST NIGHT'S DINNER

Variety is important in our diet and keeps us interested in our food. It is especially important as we try to stay healthy and safe during this pandemic. This may be the reason designated leftover nights are dreaded by children and parents alike. Leftovers have gotten a bad rap, and the word “leftover” itself makes foods sound dull and unappealing; however, they can be used as ingredients to create exciting new meals! Cooking once for multiple meals can save us time, stretch our food budget, and combat food waste to save the environment.  If you’re stuck in a rut with your leftovers, don’t just reheat and eat. Liven up your grain, protein, and veggie leftovers with the following tips: 

1. Make soup by adding beans from Tuesday’s tacos to broth. Sick of soup? Switch it up and serve leftover soup over rice or a baked potato.

2. Just add eggs to transform your leftovers. Toss barley or broccoli into an omelet, quiche, or frittata.

3. Make a melt or sandwich using yesterday’s meat, veggies, and bread. Add fun sauces or spreads like Sriracha or avocado mayo to change up the flavor!

4. Stuff peppers, squash, or pasta to make a new meal. Fill them up with last night’s quinoa and ground turkey.

5. Spruce up your pasta with Sunday’s ingredients.  Experiment with extra chicken and add pesto!

6. Repurpose your rice into a stir-fry or fried rice dish. Add peppers, protein, and sauce. Try teriyaki, peanut or curry sauce!

7. Make loaded nachos or quesadillas with whatever ingredients you have on hand. Top them with beans, brown rice, avocado, chopped fresh veggies, and Greek yogurt.

Think “ingredients”, not leftovers, and get creative! Be sure to store your leftovers safely- rotate the oldest foods to the front of the fridge where they are easy to see and label them with the date they were made. Most leftovers can last 3-4 days in the refrigerator, but check foodsafety.gov for the safe storage of each ingredient, and make sure to reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F. Remember, you can always freeze for a later date!

 

“Leftover” Barley, Black Bean, and Corn Frittata

Servings: 8                                          Prep Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

            2 tsp olive oil

            2 cups leftover barley (or other grain of your choice) 

            1 (15-oz) can black beans, rinsed 

            1 cup corn (can use fresh, frozen, or canned)

            1 green bell pepper, chopped

            ½ medium red onion, chopped

            1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

            7 eggs

            ¼ cup milk

            1 pinch salt

            1 tsp pepper

            Salsa (optional, for serving)

            Greek yogurt (optional, for serving)

1.        Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a skillet or casserole dish with olive oil.

2.        Layer barley, beans, vegetables, and ½ cup cheddar cheese in the baking dish.

3.        Whisk eggs with milk, salt, and pepper.

4.        Pour egg mixture into baking dish, and bake for 30 minutes or until set in the middle.

5.        Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top and bake for 5 minutes longer.

6.        Top with salsa and Greek yogurt to serve.

Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving): 325 calories, 39.5g carbohydrate, 11g fat, 18g protein, 236mg sodium

February is Heart Month

A "heart healthy" diet means lowering dietary intake of unhealthy fats such as saturated and

trans fats while increasing healthy fats such as monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and omega 3 fats according to the American Heart Association.

Saturated fat is typically found in animal foods such as butter, high fat dairy products (whole milk, creams, cheeses), and meats (especially beef, prime rib, poultry skin, sausages, bacon). Trans fats are the same as hydrogenated fats and may be found in almost any prepared food so it is important to read food labels (crackers, chips, ice cream, cookies, cakes, frozen foods, bread crumbs).

“Healthy” Unsaturated fats such as monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats and omega 3 fats are usually found in plant foods and fish. Some examples of unsaturated fats include, nuts, all natural peanut butter, vegetable oils such as olive oil and canola oil, avocadoes, and omega 3 fish such as salmon, mackerel, trout, tuna or sardines.

Parents can help their children now by consistently serving them vegetables and fruits, whole grain foods, nuts, seeds, avocado, omega 3 fish. Also, parents can be role models by engaging kids in physical activity. Weight control and regular exercise are associated with an overall reduced risk of heart disease and other chronic illnesses. For more information on keeping you heart healthy, visit www.heart.org.

Navigating Food Allergies

 The number of Americans who have issues with food allergies grows each year.¹ It has been shown that 1 in 13 children have a food allergy.²  A food allergy occurs when the body’s immune system reacts to a harmless protein, which is the allergen.²  The most common allergens are also known as the top eight; these include milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soy.³ All foods produced in the United States are required to disclose the top eight allergens on the package.³

Reactions to these allergens can be mild, such as a small rash or they can be more serious like anaphylaxis shock. Anaphylaxis shock is when your blood pressure drops suddenly and your airways narrow, making it hard to breathe.⁴ This reaction can be life-threatening. As there is no cure for food allergies, the one proven strategy is avoiding the allergen. There has been some progress in desensitizing a child to allergens under the care of an allergist. Desensitizing is the process of exposing the allergen to a person gradually over time until the immune system builds up a tolerance to the allergen.⁵ It is important to remember this option isn’t appropriate for everyone.

 It can be difficult to ensure allergen-free foods for your child when eating at a restaurant or at school. A major issue in these environments is cross-contact, the term used when an allergen-free food comes in contact with an allergen.⁶ Luckily, many foodservice operations are aware of the top eight allergens and are prepared to accommodate allergy needs. You should always feel empowered to advocate for your child’s safety.

 

Dining Out Tips for your Server or Chef:
- Ask you use separate cutting boards and utensils to prepare my meal?
- Inquire if the grill and/or fryer have cross-contact with other food allergens?
- Confirm absence of allergens upon serving.
- Look at menus in advance or call ahead.
- Dine at off-peak hours.
- Don’t be afraid to leave if they can’t accommodate!

Tips for food allergies at school:  

• Ask your physician to write a note
• Try to have them be as clear as possible about what the child can and cannot have.
• Submit this note to the school nurse. They will communicate this information to the food service department, so that that your child receives an allergen-free lunch.
• Inform the classroom teacher of the allergy. They can watch for any allergic reactions. 
• If the allergy is severe or it makes you feel more comfortable, simply pack your child’s lunch to be 100% certain it is allergy-free!

Allergen Friendly Chicken Tortilla Soup             

Yield: Eight 1 cup servings

Ingredients:

2 tbsp oil (canola, vegetable, or olive)

1 cup diced onion

½ cup diced celery

½ cup diced bell pepper

1 clove minced garlic

2 cups diced cooked chicken

1 ½ cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)  

1 qt low sodium chicken broth

2-14 ounce cans low sodium diced tomatoes with juice

1 -14 ounce can low sodium black beans (drained)

1 tbsp chili powder

2 tsp cumin

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp paprika

 Optional Toppings: Crispy Baked Corn Tortilla Strips, Cheese or Cheese Alternative, Cilantro, Lime Wedges, Sliced Avocado

 Method:

1.         In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Then, add onion, celery and bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes    or until slightly soft.

2.         Add garlic and cook for ~1 minute.

3.         Add all the remaining ingredients to the pot and bring to a simmer. Let simmer for 5-7 minutes.

4.         Serve in soup bowls with desired toppings.

 

Nutrition Facts: Serving Size:1 cup; Total Servings: 8

169 calories, 6 g fat, 1g saturated fat, 17g carbohydrate, 4g fiber, 22g protein, 350 mg sodium

 

 

 References:

1.  Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Food Allergy in the United States: Report of the NIAID-Sponsored Expert Panel. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 2010;126(6):S1-S58. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2010.10.007

2. Facts and Statistics | Food Allergy Research & Education. Accessed November 2, 2020. https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/facts-and-statistics

3. Nutrition C for FS and A. What You Need to Know about Food Allergies. FDA. Published online July 16, 2020. Accessed November 2, 2020. https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/what-you-need-know-about-food-allergies

4. Anaphylaxis - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Accessed November 6, 2020. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anaphylaxis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351468

5. Allergy shots - Mayo Clinic. Accessed November 10, 2020. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/allergy-shots/about/pac-20392876

6. Avoiding Cross-Contact | Food Allergy Research & Education. Accessed November 6, 2020. https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/avoiding-cross-contact

PARENTS! FIND OUT ABOUT THE SCHOOL DISTRICT'S WELLNESS POLICY!

The Manchester School District is required by Federal Law to have a wellness policy. The policy supports family and community efforts to encourage student achievement and health since an active, well-nourished child is more successful in the classroom and performs better on tests.

How Can Parents Support the Policy

• Following nutrition guidelines when providing food for classroom parties and school events 
• Supporting non-food fundraisers or sell food items that meet the district nutrition guidelines
• Providing healthy choices when packing snacks and bag lunches

If you are a parent and are interested in participating on the district's school wellness council, please email Sue Sheehy at ssheehy@mansd.org.

For more information on our wellness policy or school wellness council, visit our district website at www.mansd.org under Departments and Food and Nutrition Services.

TASTE THAT PUMPKIN!

Most people think of pumpkins as just Halloween decorations, as a Thanksgiving pie filling, or a flavoring in your favorite pumpkin spice latte (which actually has no real pumpkin flavor, just the spices!). When cooked and eaten in different ways, pumpkin is rich in vitamins and minerals and low in calories. Here are some great reasons to dig into that pretty orange gourd and a yummy recipe for the whole family!

Fill up on fiber!

 Pumpkins are a great source of filling fiber. Fiber, if you don’t know, is the indigestible roughage found in many plant foods like grains, fruits, and vegetables and is very important for smooth digestion, hormone control, heart health, and even blood sugar control. If eaten regularly, it can also help reduce certain types of cancers. If you don’t want to cook your own pumpkin from fresh, you are in luck when it comes to fiber. In one cup of canned pumpkin there is over 7 grams of fiber, while one cup of cooked, fresh pumpkin has about 3 grams of fiber.

Boost immunity and keep your eyes healthy!

 Pumpkins are high in Vitamin C and E and rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene and lutein. These infection fighters give pumpkins their bright eye-catching colors. Beta-carotene is a special antioxidant that converts to Vitamin A in our body and fights against degenerative eye damage. Vitamin C has been linked to the prevention of high cholesterol and heart disease.

Don’t skip the seeds!

 Pumpkin seeds, also known as “pepita seeds”, are high in fiber and a good source of protein, healthy fats, zinc, and more vitamins and minerals. Next time your kids carve their pumpkins don’t forget to save the seeds for roasting and snacking!

Now that you know how healthy real pumpkin can be, here is a fun snack to introduce your kids to eating this colorful gourd!

No-Bake Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

(Adapted from therealfoodrds.com)

Prep Time: 10 mins      Total Time: 10 mins     Yield: 8 Granola Bars

Ingredients:

-          2 cups of “old fashion” rolled oats

-          1/3 cup of canned pumpkin puree (not canned pumpkin pie mix)

-          ¼ cup nut or seed butter of your choice (peanut butter, almond butter, sunflower seed butter etc)

-          3 Tbsp. pure maple syrup

-          1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

-          ½ tsp. pure vanilla extract

-          ¼ cup chopped unsalted pumpkin seeds (can use pecans, sunflower seeds, etc.)

-          ¼ cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions:

In a blender or food processor, combine the oats, pumpkin puree, nut or seed butter, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Pulse on low for a few seconds, scraping the sides as needed. Process just until mixed, you want some of the oats to remain whole. Transfer the pat mixture to a bowl and fold in the pumpkin seeds (or other seed/nut of choice) and chocolate chips.

3.     Line a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan with plastic wrap or parchment paper. Lay the mixture into the loaf pan, spreading it out as you go, and pressing down very firmly. Place in the freezer for 30 minutes before slicing into 8 bars or 10 squares.  Store in airtight container in the fridge and enjoy for breakfast or a snack!
  

Note: Invite your kids to help measure the ingredients and have a taste test of some of the ingredients (oats, pumpkin, nut or seed butter, maple syrup, pumpkin seeds) before it is put into the food processor so that they know what they taste like separately and together at the end.

CINNAMON SUGAR PUMPKIN SEEDS PACK A HEALTHY PUNCH

Like other seeds, pumpkin seeds are packed with healthy nutrients and are a great treat to satisfy your crunchy cravings. Pumpkin seeds are a good source of magnesium which is important for bone formation, omega 3 fatty acids that aid in maintaining good heart health, antioxidants which can help reduce inflammation and fiber that can help maintain a healthy weight by keeping you feeling fuller longer. Here are some easy ways to make these seeds just a little tastier!

 

                            Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds

4 servings

                                        

                               Ingredients

                 2 tbsp. butter                                2 c. pumpkin seeds

                1 tsp. cinnamon                            2 tbsp. sugar

                                Directions:

            Preheat oven to 350° F. As the oven heats, melt butter in the microwave in 20-second                    intervals  until it's fully melted.  Scoop out the seeds from the pumpkin, rinse and dry.                    Toss pumpkin seeds in the melted butter  to  coat them, then toss with cinnamon and                     sugar. Spread the seeds out on a parchment-lined  baking  sheet and roast for 25 to 27                     minutes, or until lightly golden.

 

                Nutrition Facts per serving: 395 calories, 13g carbohydrates, 34g fat, 46mg sodium, 7g sugar

What Did Johnny Appleseed Know About Apples?

 Maybe Johhny Appleseed knew more than we did about the benefits of apples. Eating fresh apples has always been good for you, but to get the full nutritional benefits associated with eating apples you should eat at least one fresh apple every day. The average U.S. consumer eats about 19 pounds of fresh apples a year — about one apple per week. 

WHOLE-BODY HEALTH BENEFITS

Eating apples are believed to lower blood cholesterol, improve bowel function and reduce the risk of stroke, prostate cancer, type II diabetes and asthma. The disease-fighting profile of apples provides a multitude of health benefits, including a potential decreased risk of cancer and heart disease. Several recent studies suggest apples may provide a "whole-body" health benefit. A number of components in apples, most notably fiber and phytonutrients have been found in studies to lower blood cholesterol and improve bowel function, and may be associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, prostate cancer, type II diabetes and asthma. Findings indicate that two apples a day or 12 ounces of 100% apple juice reduced the damaging effects of the “bad” LDL cholesterol. 

CANCER PREVENTION

Over the past four years, apple consumption has been linked with reduced cancer risk in several studies.In an article from the American Institute for Cancer Research (December 2019), it indicates that the fiber found in apples can combine with the healthy bacteria in the stomach to reduce the risk of cancer. The types of cancer reduction with apples included breast, digestive (colon, esophageal, mouth), and certain types of lung cancer.  A Cornell University study indicated phytochemicals in the skin of an apple inhibited the reproduction of colon cancer cells by 43 percent. The National Cancer Institute has reported that foods containing flavonoids like those found in apples may reduce the risk of lung cancer by as much as 50 percent. 

So there you have it! An apple a day may be old advice but it sounds like advise worth following.