Tyson A+ Project = Cash for Schools

We are all aware that schools are in need of more funding. Pretty much every school in the country could use more money to buy books or art supplies or gym equipment-or even such basics as desks and chairs. Most parents cannot afford to just give the school cash, nor do most adults eagerly pass school levies. So, how can schools get the funding they need? One solution lies in collecting labels from Tyson products.

How can Tyson labels help schools? Tyson Foods, Inc. has a program called 'Tyson Project A+' where labels from certain foods can be redeemed for cash. These labels are found on over 50 Tyson products, including frozen boxed Chicken Breast Nuggets, Spicy Breast Tenderloins, and Fajita Chicken Strips; Tyson Deli Style Chicken Breast and Turkey Breast; and Tyson bagged products such as their Chicken Quesadillas, Italian Style Chicken Meatballs, Diced Chicken Breast, and Seasoned Beef Strips.

Schools interested in participating in the Tyson Project A+ program must first sign up at the website or by printing the registration form and mailing it in. Any school in the United States that is accredited can participate; schools with grades from preschool up to grade 12 are acceptable, regardless of whether they are public or private schools.

After a school signs up, all that is left to do is collect the A+ labels! Each label is worth 24 cents to the school, though they can only be redeemed in quantities of 100 (each 100 labels earns $24 for the school). Schools can collect labels all year long-in fact, a school can redeem up to 50,000 labels each year, which earns $12,000 for the school. That money can be earned every year, too! Tyson Foods, Inc. allows schools to participate in the program every year, which means that as long as schools are collecting labels, they will be getting money from Tyson.

Now, about those labels-schools obviously need a lot of parental participation to collect all of these labels. And, it is also a good idea to try to get the community involved in the label collection. Here are some tips schools can try to help get everyone motivated to bring the labels in:

--Hold classroom contests. Award the classroom that collects the most Tyson A+ labels each month-perhaps that classroom can have an ice cream party or an hour of outside recess time.

--Send a letter home to explain the Tyson A+ program to parents. The Tyson website has a sample letter that can be used here.

--Send a news release to the local newspapers and the radio stations about how the school is participating in the program. Be sure to ask for label donations!

--Ask local grocery store managers if the school can put up a notice somewhere (near the frozen goods, perhaps?) about the school's involvement with the Tyson project. Make sure the notice indicates where label donations can be dropped off.

--Put the Tyson A+ logo on every newsletter that is sent home. This will keep the project in parents' minds.

It almost sounds like it this project is too good to be true, doesn't it? But trust me, the Tyson A+ Project is definitely a real project-and it is definitely a great way for schools to earn some extra money. And best of all, there is no catch with that money. The schools can spend the money they earn any way they choose, no questions asked.

This project is a great way for schools to get extra funding. All it takes on the school's part is a little effort in motivating people to collect the labels. What school wouldn't want to give this project a try?