Top Food Fundraiser Ideas That Make a Difference

Why should you have a food fundraiser?

Food fundraisers are personal, profitable, and powerful. They work well because everyone loves food, and because they’re easy to scale for school fundraising, sports team support, or nonprofit organizations.

These events:

• Encourage participation from community members.
• Allow flexibility with in-person or online fundraising.
• Showcase talents of local chefs, bakers, and volunteers.
• Offer a fun way to create impact through simple, shareable moments.

What foods are ideal for fundraisers?

The best food for fundraising is crowd-pleasing, affordable, and easy to serve. Sweet or savory, hot or cold, the most successful events feature:

• Baked goods like brownies, cupcakes, and chocolate chip cookies.
• Comfort foods like chili, mac and cheese, or casseroles.
• Grilled items such as hot dogs, skewers, or BBQ plates.
• Summer favorites like ice cream or lemonade.
• Take-home goods: sauces, snack bags, or meal kits.
• International cuisines that reflect your community.

20+ food fundraising ideas that work

Here are top food fundraising ideas that will help you connect with supporters and raise funds for your fundraising efforts:

1. Potluck for a purpose

Host a community potluck dinner and invite guests to donate a small fee or contribute to a shared fundraising page. GoFundMe’s online fundraising pages help you raise money quickly and securely. Encourage people to bring their favorite recipes to celebrate family traditions.

2. Bake sale

The ultimate fundraising event classic. Hold a big sale of cookies, cupcakes, breads, and muffins. Highlight allergen-friendly and vegan options. Partner with local bakeries for extra variety.

What to have at a fundraising bake sale:

• Individual servings.
• Variety like brownies, cupcakes, and gluten-free items.
• Signage and QR codes for digital donations.
• Tables at schools, churches, or grocery stores.

3. Sell a recipe book

Create a cookbook using your community’s favorite recipes. Include personal stories or cultural context for added value. Offer it in print and as a downloadable digital copy.

4. Host a dinner night

Collaborate with local restaurants to host a fundraising dinner night. Restaurants like Chick-fil-A often offer up to 15% of sales back to your cause. It’s a win-win for your group and local eateries.

5. Eating contest

Plan a friendly eating contest with pies, watermelon, or spicy wings. Charge an entry fee and offer gift cards or prizes donated by local businesses. It’s a family-friendly, high-energy event.

6. Food auction

Auction off donated food baskets, homemade jams, wine & cheese sets, or baked goods. Combine with a silent auction for art or services.

7. Backyard barbecue

Few things beat a summer barbecue. Offer BBQ plates with sides and drinks. Pair it with lawn games or music. This can double as a community event and an easy way to sell food items.

8. Lemonade stand

Ideal for kids and school events. Add flavor twists or reusable cups to boost appeal. Include donation jars or QR codes to collect contributions.

9. Food truck fundraiser

Partner with local food trucks for a casual outdoor gathering. Sell tickets in advance or share a portion of proceeds. Promote via social media and post flyers at schools and grocery stores.

10. Farmers market booth

Set up a booth at your local market and sell baked treats, homemade snacks, or beverages. It’s a natural fit for nonprofit outreach and great for visibility.

11. Make-your-own meal kits

Sell family kits for tacos, pizza, or pancakes. These are excellent for low-cost prep and appeal to busy families. Offer pre-order and pickup options for convenience.

12. International food fair

Showcase global cuisines by inviting community cooks to share dishes from their heritage. Charge an admission fee or sell per plate. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate diversity while supporting a cause.

13. Coffee & donuts pop-up

Team up with a café or local businesses to offer morning coffee and pastries near office parks or schools. This works well as a weekday drop-in event.

14. Chili cook-off

Let participants compete with their best chili recipes. Charge a tasting ticket, offer voting slips, and award a crowd favorite. Make it extra fun with cornbread sides or themed décor.

15. Branded snack bags

Create snack packs with your organization’s branding. Include trail mix, popcorn, or chocolate-covered pretzels. Great for games, meetings, or thank-you gifts.

16. Ice cream social

Plan a classic ice cream event in the summer. Offer cones, sundaes, or toppings bars.

17. Pancake breakfast

Host a morning breakfast fundraiser at a school, gym, or community center. Serve pancakes, eggs, sausage, and juice for a small fee. Great for weekend events and holiday mornings.

18. School fundraising lunch line

Coordinate with your school cafeteria or PTO to host a specialty lunch day. Offer themed menus, sell food items, and direct proceeds to a specific fundraising effort.

19. Cooking class

Invite a local chef to teach an in-person or virtual cooking class. Attendees donate to join and follow along at home. Pair it with a downloadable recipe packet.

20. Spaghetti dinner

A church or community center staple. Offer full meals with garlic bread and salad for a fixed price. Pair with raffles or music for a welcoming experience.

21. Food truck festival

Make it big. Invite multiple local food trucks and charge a ticket or admission fee. Add vendors, music, and a kids’ area for a truly collaborative, family-friendly experience.

22. Valentine’s Day dessert bar

Host a sweets table or treat cart with heart-shaped cupcakes, chocolate chip cookies, and drinks. Perfect for schools or workplaces looking to give back on Valentine’s Day.

23. Wineries or tasting night

Partner with wineries or gourmet vendors for a tasting event with small bites and drink pairings. This works well for adult audiences and upscale gatherings.

24. Food bank collaboration

Work with your local food bank or run a food donation drive in parallel with your fundraiser. People love knowing their contribution supports both short-term needs and long-term community growth.

How to raise funds within your community

To raise funds effectively:

• Start with a clear goal and timeline.
• Choose an idea that fits your audience and resources.
• Promote via social media, word of mouth, and school or nonprofit newsletters.
• Partner with local businesses or restaurants for support.
• Use platforms like GoFundMe to make donating fast and secure.

Can you sell food online?

Yes! You can sell all types of food items online, from baked goods and meal kits to e-cookbooks and even the bigger ticket items like specialty gourmet dishes and branded snacks. Just make sure to double-check your state’s laws regarding food sales and shipping.

Start your food fundraiser today

Food has a way of bringing people together and raising meaningful support. You may be considering a pizza party, a spaghetti dinner, or a longer multi-day food truck festival, and there’s a food fundraiser to meet your needs. With GoFundMe, we can make it easier for you to fundraise and hit your goals. Find your food supplies, switch on the oven, set up your GoFundMe, and start raising funds today!