In elementary schools across the country there is a “Box Top” program run by General Mills meant to encourage families to buy their products in order to raise money for schools. In a time where more and more parents are trying to promote more whole real food consumption in their kids – we felt an alternative was needed.

In April 2019 we kicked off our very first school fundraiser with the goal to promote fruit and veggie consumption. Our idea was simple – a heart healthy take on the “Box Top” model. We started small, as a kind of test run, in order to understand whether the concept we’d crafted in our heads would be as good in reality. Turns out…. it was even BETTER than we could have predicted.

The pilot included 6 classrooms (transitional kindergarten and kindergarten) at Valley View Elementary School in Pleasanton, California. Chosen because the Doctors Vegetable had a son in kindergarten at this school. The program started with a kick off assembly where The Doctor Vegetable Duo (John & Renee) talked about why veggies and fruits are good for their bodies… with facts that included talking about poop – always a kid favorite. It also included the first original fruit and veggie inspired song that later went on to become a music video (make sure to check out the media tab).

The kids took home their Doctor Vegetable packets that day and collected stickers, labels and bags throughout the month. During that time there were many amazing messages that came to the doctor vegetable email account. Below are a couple excerpts.

My daughter, a classmate in Micah’s class, came home begging to watch the Dr. Vegetable music video after school today. I stopped counting after watching the 10th time, but was surprised and delighted when she asked for a carrot (her first time) and ate the whole thing in one sitting!! She is now asking to eat a tomato, and more carrots. She loves fruit and I’ve never had any trouble getting her to eat that, but our battle has been with vegetables. Thank you so much for all that you’re doing for our children, and be assured that your efforts and creativity has not been in vain. They are paying attention to it, and as a result, the rest of the family too! My older daughter in the 3rd grade made a daily vegetable chart for the entire family after watching your video. It’s awesome!!

***** demanded vegetables and fruit for dinner. He even inquired about a papaya on the kitchen counter and he’d never shown any interest before!

At the end of April, the sticker sheets were collected. It was a resounding success. Between the 6 classrooms $500 was raised. A direct donation was made to the school with the funds targeted towards building the school’s garden.

But the biggest win of all – the kids got excited about foods that are good for their growing bodies. They are learning, early on, the importance of food choices through fun, laughter and two goofy doctors dressed up in vegetable costumes. Can’t get much better than that!