How to Raise Money for Your School This Summer with a Frozen Treat Cart

Cool down and cash in! 🍦 This guide shows you how to run a fun, low-cost frozen treat cart fundraiser that’s perfect for summer school events, PTA, or PTO groups. #SummerFundraisers #SchoolFundraising #FrozenTreatCart

Looking for a low-stress, high-smiles way to raise money this summer? A frozen treat cart fundraiser might just be your new favorite go-to. It’s simple to run, easy on the budget, and guaranteed to make kids and parents light up when they see you rolling in with popsicles and ice cream on a sunny afternoon.

Whether you’re raising money for school supplies, end-of-year celebrations, or just keeping the PTA active over the summer months, this fundraiser is a total crowd-pleaser. And the best part? You don’t need fancy equipment or a huge team to pull it off—just a cooler, some good treats, and a bit of sunshine.

Here’s how to run a frozen treat cart fundraiser that keeps your community cool and your fundraising goals hot. 🔥🍦

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💡 What Is a Frozen Treat Cart Fundraiser?

A frozen treat cart fundraiser is exactly what it sounds like: a mobile setup where you sell popsicles, ice cream bars, and other frozen goodies to students, families, or summer program participants—with all proceeds going toward your school or PTA initiatives.

You can run it as:

• A weekly tradition (think “Frozen Fridays”)
• A pop-up cart at special events like field day, summer camp, or movie night
• An after-school cool-down station during warm months
• A vendor-style setup at community events or sports games (with permission)

It’s fun, flexible, and easy to tailor to your school’s needs and schedule. Plus, it’s a sweet little fundraiser that doesn’t require any heavy lifting—just a cooler full of goodies and a couple of smiling volunteers.

📦 What You’ll Need to Get Started

because setting up your frozen treat cart should be just as easy-breezy as the event itself! 🍦🛒🧊

You don’t need a food truck or a fancy freezer on wheels to run a frozen treat cart. With just a few supplies and a bit of prep, you’ll be ready to serve up smiles in no time.

🧊 Your Treat Cart Setup:

• Cooler, wagon, or rolling cart – Anything that keeps your treats cold and is easy to move. Bonus points if you decorate it!
• Ice or ice packs – Keep those popsicles from turning into juice puddles halfway through.
• Folding table or umbrella – Great for extra space or adding shade if you’re outdoors.
• Decorations – Streamers, balloons, signage, and school colors make it festive and fun.

🛍️ Frozen Treat Stock:

• Pick 3–5 popular, easy-to-serve items (we’ll list ideas in a later section!)
• Store-bought is easiest—no scooping, serving, or melting chaos to manage
• Consider a few allergy-friendly or dairy-free options too

💵 Supplies for Selling:

• Cash box with change
• Mobile payment option (Venmo, PayPal, or Square if allowed)
• Price signs for each treat
• A simple menu board or sign
• Gloves and hand sanitizer
• Trash bin or bag for wrappers

👩‍🍳 Volunteers:

• At least one person to sell
• One person to help restock the cooler
• One backup floater in case of meltdowns (literal or otherwise)

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re doing multiple dates, prep a quick checklist you can reuse for each shift. It makes restocking and setup way easier!

💰 Pricing & Profit Tips

because the key to a successful treat cart isn’t just keeping things cold… it’s keeping the cash flowing too 💰🍦📈

A frozen treat cart may be small—but it can bring in big results if you price smart and shop strategically.

🎯 Keep Pricing Simple:

• $1–$3 per item is the sweet spot
• Offer bundle deals to encourage more sales:
  • 1 for $2, 3 for $5
  • “Buy 4, get 1 free”
  • “Treat a teacher for $1!” add-on option

🛒 Buy in Bulk to Maximize Profits:

• Warehouse clubs (like Costco or Sam’s) are your best bet
• Grocery stores often run summer promos on multi-pack popsicles or ice cream bars
• Look for individually wrapped treats that don’t require extra napkins or spoons

💡 Profit Example:
Buy a box of 18 ice cream sandwiches for $9 = $0.50 each
Sell each for $2 → That’s $36 in sales from one box = $27 profit

🙌 Ask for Donations or Sponsors:

• Local businesses might sponsor a “Free Treat Day” in exchange for a shoutout
• Ask families to donate boxes of frozen treats

💡 Pro Tip: Mix low-cost items (like freezer pops) with higher-ticket treats (like novelty bars) so there’s something for every budget.

📅 Choosing the Right Time & Location

because where (and when) you roll out your frozen treat cart makes all the difference 🚚🍦🕒

A frozen treat cart works best when it shows up just as everyone’s thinking, “Phew—it’s hot!” The right timing and spot can turn your cooler into a crowd magnet.

🕒 Best Times to Set Up:

• After school pickup – Catch parents and kids right as they head out into the heat
• Friday afternoons – Great for kicking off the weekend with a sweet reward
• At summer school or camp dismissal – A hit with students and staff
• During events – Think field day, ice cream social, summer movie night, or PTA meetings
• Sports practices or tournaments – Parents will thank you, and so will the players!

💡 Pro Tip: Give it a catchy name like “Frozen Fridays,” “Cool-Down Cart,” or “Pop & Chill!”

📍 Smart Spots to Park Your Cart:

• Near the main school exit or playground gate
• On the blacktop after recess or PE class
• By the field or bleachers during outdoor events
• In the pickup line loop (with approval, of course)
• Near the concession stand (if you’re teaming up with other food sales)

A small rolling cart works great for mobility, but even a cooler on a table with bright signage can attract a crowd—especially if your volunteers bring the energy!

🍓 Frozen Treat Ideas That Sell

because the right treats = happy kids, happy parents, and melt-free profits 🍧🍦🍓

You don’t need a huge variety—just a few popular, easy-to-serve treats that won’t turn into puddles while you’re handing them out. Aim for a mix of kid-friendly favorites and allergy-friendly options if you can.

🍦 Crowd Favorites:

• Ice cream sandwiches
• Classic popsicles (multi-flavor packs are a hit)
• Freezer pops (super budget-friendly!)
• Mini ice cream cones or “drumsticks”
• Push pops or creamsicles
• Frozen fruit bars (mango, strawberry, etc.)
• Frozen yogurt tubes

🥶 Allergy-Friendly & Lighter Options:

• Dairy-free fruit pops or Italian ice cups
• Frozen applesauce pouches
• Frozen grapes or fruit kebabs (great for PTA events or health-conscious crowds)

🎉 Seasonal or Themed Treats:

• Red, white & blue pops for the 4th of July
• Tropical-flavored treats for luaus or beach-themed events
• Ice cream in school colors for spirit weeks

💡 Pro Tip: Label your cooler sections if you offer a few choices—one for “Dairy-Free,” one for “Nut-Free,” etc.—to make it easy for parents and safe for everyone.

🎨 How to Make It Look Fun & Inviting

because a treat cart that looks exciting will bring in way more foot traffic (and dollars!) 🎨🍦🎈

Let’s be honest: kids are magnetically drawn to anything with balloons and bright colors. A little effort in the “cute factor” department can turn your cart into a must-visit stop.

🛒 Dress Up Your Cart:

• Add streamers, bunting, or tissue paper tassels in bright summer colors
• Use balloons or pinwheels for instant attention
• Display your school mascot or PTA logo somewhere on the cart

📋 Signage Ideas:

• Chalkboard or poster with treat names + prices
• A funny or themed sign like: “Freeze! You’re in the right spot!”
  “Cool Treats for a Hot Cause”
  “Scooping Up Funds for Our School”
• Add allergy icons or stickers so parents and kids can choose quickly and safely

🎵 Set the Mood:

• Bring a portable speaker and play some summer tunes (think kids’ dance songs or mellow island vibes)
• Create a “theme day” like Tropical Tuesday or Frozen Friday to keep it fresh week to week

💡 Pro Tip: Let student helpers decorate the cart as a mini project—they’ll love it and you’ll save time!

📣 How to Promote It

because even the coolest cart won’t sell a single popsicle if no one knows it’s coming! 📣🍦🗓️

You’ve got the treats. You’ve got the cart. Now you just need a little buzz to get families excited (and lining up with cash in hand).

🏫 Promote at School:

• Send flyers home in backpacks with the date, time, location, and treat prices
• Hang posters near pickup lines, hallways, and the main office
• Announce it during morning announcements – “Don’t forget! Frozen Friday is happening after school today!”
• Use bulletin boards in classrooms or hallways to build excitement

📱 Promote Online:

• Share on your PTA’s Facebook or Instagram with cute pics of the cart or a treat preview
• Post a countdown in your school app or newsletter
• Use fun captions like: “This week’s heatwave? We’ve got it covered. 🍦 See you Friday after school!”
  “All proceeds support [goal]—plus, who can say no to a popsicle?”

🧊 Repeat = Revenue

If you’re doing a recurring cart (like weekly), consistency is key. Use the same name, same time, and same vibe so families get into the habit of stopping by.

💡 Pro Tip: Add a reminder to teacher newsletters or classroom group chats—kids will definitely remind their grown-ups if they know there’s ice cream involved!

🙌 Volunteer Roles to Keep It Running Smoothly

because it takes a (small but mighty) team to keep those popsicles moving and the lines short 🙋‍♀️🍦🛒

You don’t need a full crew—just a few helpers who are ready to scoop, sell, and smile. With a simple shift schedule and clear tasks, your treat cart will run like a dream (even if the popsicles drip a little).

👩‍🍳 The Roles You’ll Need:

1. Treat Sellers

• 1–2 people to handle the cooler and hand out treats
• Gloves and big summer energy required!

2. Payment Handlers

• 1 person to manage the cash box or mobile payments
• Great for someone who’s detail-oriented and comfortable making change

3. Restock Runner

• Float between cooler and cart to replenish treats as needed
• Can also manage trash or help with quick wipe-downs

4. Promotion Helper

• Someone to handle reminders, post on social media, and update signage
• Great role for someone who can’t attend in person but wants to help from home!

5. Student Helpers (optional but adorable)

• Older students can hand out napkins, welcome families, or carry signs
• Bonus: it gives them ownership and makes your cart extra cute

💡 Pro Tip: Use a simple sign-up sheet with 30-minute shifts so no one feels stuck scooping all day in the sun.

🧼 Health & Safety Tips

because sticky hands are expected… but food safety still matters! 🧼🧊🍧

A frozen treat cart may seem low-risk, but keeping things clean, safe, and organized helps you avoid meltdowns (and not just the popsicle kind).

🧤 Keep Things Sanitary:

• Have gloves available for anyone handling food
• Use tongs for unwrapped treats, or only serve pre-packaged items
• Set up a sanitizing station with hand wipes or hand sanitizer for volunteers and customers
• Wipe down your cooler, table, and any surfaces before and after each shift

🧊 Keep It Cold:

• Use plenty of ice or ice packs—especially on hot days
• Store backup treats in a second cooler so you’re not constantly opening the main one
• Consider using insulated freezer bags to quickly restock without losing chill time

🪧 Label Clearly:

• Post signs if any items contain common allergens (like dairy, nuts, or gluten)
• Separate allergy-friendly treats in their own cooler space if possible
• Have ingredient labels handy if you’re serving anything not pre-packaged

🌞 Beat the Heat:

• Keep volunteers shaded under an umbrella or tent
• Store extra supplies (napkins, signs, etc.) away from direct sun
• Take breaks and stay hydrated—especially if you’re out there longer than 30–45 minutes

💡 Pro Tip: Bring a trash bag or two for wrappers so they don’t end up all over the playground (your custodian will thank you).

💛 Wrapping It Up + Thanking Your Supporters

because a little gratitude (and a few sprinkles of celebration) go a long way 💛🍦🎉

Once the last popsicle is handed out and the cooler is packed away, don’t forget to share the joy—and the impact!

🎉 Celebrate the Success:

• Post a thank-you message on your PTA or school social media: “Thanks for supporting our Frozen Treat Cart fundraiser! With your help, we raised $___ to support [insert cause]—and handed out over ___ smiles in the process!”
• Include a photo of your treat cart or some happy (sticky-faced) kiddos (with permission!)

🙌 Thank Your Volunteers:

• Give a special shoutout in the school newsletter or morning announcements
• Send a little thank-you treat or printable card (“You’re the cherry on top!” 🍒)
• Recognize student helpers—they’ll be thrilled to be part of something important

✨ Keep the Momentum Going:

• Tease your next cart date if this is a recurring event
• Ask for feedback—what treats were the biggest hit? What times worked best?
• Save your setup checklist for next time (future-you will love you for it)

💡 Pro Tip: Share where the money’s going—field trips, classroom supplies, or school events—so families feel good knowing their $2 popsicle really did make a difference.