How to get chips, pop and buns for School Fundraiser- BBQ

[sarah_cio]

I am assisting with a school fundraiser BBQ. Any suggestions on how to get cheap individual bags of chips, cans of pop and hot dog buns?

Thanks!

[Lynn49]

What we used to do was go to the local grocery stores and ask for donations or big discounts. We got all our buns that way...I can't remember what else, but just keep pounding the pavement. Tell them that you'll be posting "THANK YOU to ......." signs so that everyone knows what a community-minded (use that phrase) business they are. Also ask for funding help from businesses your school uses (the computer company, phone, paper supplier) and ask for donations towards your fund-raiser.
You should do just fine not having to pay for a thing!

[thriftygranny]

I have been a very active fundraiser for competitive soccer and my children s schools and have often gone into the community to ask for donations for such things.Here are a few pointers for looking for food donations.
1. Get your parent council or school to write a letter for you stating why and what you are looking for.Don't just drop it, ask to speak with a manager when you visti the retailers,
2. Follow up with people, they are busy and bombarded with requests daily they won't remember that you dropped off a request letter
3. Tell them that you will post a large sign at your function thanking them for there generosity
2. McDonalds will most likely give you free juice.They provide the huge cooler jugs ( the ones with spigots) with a powdered juice you mix yourself and enough cups for the function ( I am in the west so it may vary province to province)
4. Do you have meat processing plant near you, if so phone and ask for the contact information for the special event coodinator. We have an Olymel near us and they have never let me down as far as hot dog donations go
5.Find out if any one in the school is affiliated with a grocery store and seek out there help
6. Sobeys is always very generous anytime I have approached them I have always received a great discount.

[jasperandchar]

Ask local businesses for donations (grocery stores, etc)

[OctoberSun]

I would try the other posters advise of asking local stores and suppliers for discounts. If all else fails I would go bulk and go to Costco or something similar in your area.

[sarah_cio]

Thanks everyone that is very helpful! I got on board late as someone dropped out so I am playing catch up