As to why one should engage in fundraising, that answer is fairly straightforward and simple. You fundraise because your group, club or team needs money to operate. With athletic and activities budgets being reduced or cut all over the country, many programs face a situation where they either decide to fundraise or cease to exist. As to why they should do this, there are two main reasons.

First, it is the right thing to do. Obesity and overweight amongst American children is at an all time high. Never before have so many students suffered from Type 2 Diabetes, or other weight and diet related ailments. This is the first generation in America which is expected to grow up and have a shorter life expectancy than their parents. This is in spite of the fact that technology and medical science are advancing at a faster rate than ever before.

Students in America today are growing up in the strongest economy in the history of the planet and this aspect of quality of life is going backwards. This is partly related to a more sedentary lifestyle than in years past. However, it's even more related to a horrific diet of sugars, fast food, candy and more candy. While schools and school leaders are certainly not solely to blame in this candy onslaught, they have participated in it.

Administrators have signed contracts with fast food franchise and Candy Vending operators wherein the school districts were making massive amounts of money by allowing the health and diets of the students to be compromised. Additionally coaches, teacher, and club leaders made the same alliance with fundraising companies. Obviously, all involved would point to the greater good of raising money for "Education" programs. The bottom line however, is that money was made pushing unhealthy products on children. To remedy this, a change in thought and action is necessary.

The second reason healthy alternatives should be sought is because it is quickly becoming the law in many states. Additionally, it's becoming part of the regulations according to many school district wellness policies. In California for example, as of July 1, 2007 California Senate Bill 12 goes into effect. California Senate Bill 12 says that no snack items will be allowed on California High School Campuses which are more than 35% fat, 35% sugar, 10% saturated fat, or 250 calories. In California as of July 1, it will no longer just be about doing the right thing. It will be about doing the legal thing.

For the aforementioned reasons, it now more important than ever that coaches, teachers and administrators seek Healthy Fundraising Alternatives. The same money can be made. However, it will be made in a more honorable fashion with a true contribution to the health and longevity of children in America.