As backpacks get packed and yellow buses start rolling again, it’s the perfect time to get involved in something that makes a real difference: Box Tops for Education. Whether your kids are heading back to the classroom or your grandkids are gearing up for their first day, the Box Tops program is a quick and easy way to support schools and help provide the resources they need. And if you haven’t checked it out in a while, you might be surprised at how much it’s changed!
A Quick Look Back: From Snipping to Scanning
Do you remember clipping those little cardboard rectangles from cereal boxes and stuffing them into Ziploc bags to send in with your child? Or maybe you were the little one taking them to school! That’s how Box Tops started back in 1996. It was simple, sure but it could get a little messy and time-consuming. Over the years, schools across the U.S. earned nearly $1 billion through those little clips! From classroom supplies to new gym equipment, the impact was huge.
Fast forward to today, and the program has had a serious glow-up. Now, it’s all digital.
How the New Box Tops App Works
No more scissors needed! With the free Box Tops app, earning money for your favorite school is as easy as 1-2-3:
- Buy Box Tops Products
Look for participating products from brands like Cheerios, Nature Valley, Annie’s, and more. There are hundreds to choose from. - Scan Your Receipt
Just open the app and snap a photo of your receipt. The app will automatically find Box Tops products and credit the earnings to your selected school. You can also submit digital receipts by following the steps found here. - Earn Cash for Schools
That’s it! Each eligible product typically earns $0.10 for your school, and sometimes even more during bonus promotions.
Everyday Brands You Know and Love
You don’t have to go out of your way to earn Box Tops. Many products you’re already buying qualify! Here are just a few of the popular brands that participate in the program:
- Annie’s – Organic snacks, mac & cheese, and pasta
- Betty Crocker – Cake mixes, brownie mixes, and frosting
- Fiber One – Bars, brownies, and cereals
- Larabar – Fruit and nut bars made with simple ingredients
- Lysol – Disinfecting sprays, wipes, and cleaners
- Nature Valley – Granola bars, protein bars, and snack biscuits
- PediaSure – Nutritional shakes for growing kids
- Pillsbury – Refrigerated dough, biscuits, and snacks
- Yoplait – Yogurt cups, tubs, and smoothies
Many of these items are pantry and household staples, so you might already be buying them regularly. With Box Tops, your grocery run can go a long way toward helping your school.
Make It Even Easier: Connect with Walmart
If you shop at Walmart (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), there’s an even easier way to earn:
- Connect your Walmart and Box Tops accounts through the app.
- Use your saved payment method when you shop in-store or online.
- Your eligible purchases automatically earn Box Tops for your chosen school. No need to scan receipts!
Even better? Box Tops are worth DOUBLE at Walmart now through September 14, 2025. That means each product could earn $0.20 instead of $0.10. Hello, back-to-school bonus!
And if you connect your Box Tops and Walmart accounts for the first time during that same window, you’ll also earn a $5 bonus for your school when you make a qualifying purchase.
🚨 Bonus Alert: Snack and Save Offer
Here’s another fun way to give and get back. From now through November 30, 2025, when you:
- Buy one Box Tops product and one eligible snack product in the same transaction,
- Then scan your receipt in the Box Tops app,
You’ll receive a cash rebate via PayPal or Venmo! It’s a little extra thank-you for supporting your school and your snack stash.
(Heads up: This offer isn’t valid in RI, CT, ND, NC, or Miami-Dade County.)
Why It Matters
Schools are constantly working with tight budgets. Whether it’s stocking the classroom with basic supplies, upgrading technology, or keeping extracurriculars alive, every dime counts. By simply buying what you already use and scanning your receipts, you’re helping kids learn, grow, and thrive.
And it’s not just for parents: anyone can participate. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, neighbors—if you want to support your local school, just download the app and select which one you’d like your earnings to go to.
Want to Do More?
If you’re passionate about helping your school, consider becoming a Box Tops Coordinator. It’s a great way to get involved, encourage others in your community to participate, and keep the momentum going all year long.
Ready to make a difference with just your grocery receipt? Download the app and help your school today!
It’s a small step that can lead to big results for students, teachers, and your entire school community. Whether you scan one receipt a month or every week, every Box Top counts. So grab your phone, your shopping list, and start turning everyday purchases into meaningful support for the places that help our kids grow and succeed.