3 Money-Saving Ideas For Fundraiser Food
Posted on: 20 April 2016
When you're planning a fundraiser, the goal is to raise as much money as possible for your charity or cause. It just makes sense to try to keep the costs down, because the lower your expenses, the more money you'll have at the end for your cause. On the other hand, you want your fundraiser guests to enjoy themselves (and show up for the next fundraiser event) so you don't want to appear to be stingy. Food is one of the biggest costs associated with many fundraisers. However, there are plenty of ways to offer a great menu while keeping your costs to a minimum. Take a look at a few ideas that will help you keep your food costs low while still pleasing your donors' palates.
Incorporate Farm-to-Table Food
The farm-to-table movement is growing, and with good reason. Restaurants, schools, and other institutions are embracing the idea of using locally sourced food because it's better for the environment and more nutritious. It's also good for the local economy and benefits local farmers. If your fundraiser is at all connected to health, environmentalism, or improving the local community, then farm-to-table offerings fit in nicely.
Visit your local farmer's markets and talk to the growers and merchants who grow or raise their own food to sell. You may be able to arrange a discount if you buy in bulk, or you may find local vendors who are willing to donate food for a tasting table in exchange for the exposure that your fundraiser will provide.
While you're at it, check out local wineries, coffeehouses, bakeries, and craft beer companies. You may find some unique treats as well as good deals. Everyone wins – local food vendors get some free advertising and hopefully some new customers, and you get delicious local food at a good price.
Choose a Casual Theme With an Upscale Twist
If burgers and hot dogs suit your budget best, but you want to impress your guests with gourmet fare, consider combining the two ideas for a less-expensive menu that still has flair. For example, a gourmet bbq is a great theme for a spring or summer fundraiser.
Substitute spicy bratwurst or smoked kielbasa for ordinary hot dogs. Serve themed burgers, such as red, white, and blue burgers if you're planning an event on or around Independence Day. Use gourmet cheeses and artisan breads instead of American cheese and ordinary buns. Serve foodie-friendly versions of barbecue picnic sides, like French fries topped with Brie and bacon or macaroni salad with prosciutto and smoked mozzarella. It's easy to give casual dishes a gourmet upgrade and it will seem more creative than the stereotypical sit-down dinner.
Go For Hors D'oeuvres
Sometimes, a sit-down dinner isn't necessary at all. If you host an event like a casino night or an auction, food isn't the main focus anyway, and your food budget will go a lot further if you skip the meal and serve a variety of hors d'oeuvres instead.
A wine and cheese tasting can be surprisingly affordable, for example, and it's perfect for a sophisticated evening event. You'll need a variety of wines and cheeses, plus assorted breads, fruits, and pates or cold meats. Or, if you're having an afternoon event, consider an "afternoon tea" theme, with finger sandwiches, pastries, and an assortment of teas and coffees. Both of these types of events will let you save money on food while still providing your guests with an elegant affair to attend.
With some careful planning and creative thinking, catering costs don't have to dominate your fundraising budget. Talk to a catering company in your area about how you can provide terrific tastes for an affordable price.
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