Girl scout cookies’ humble beginnings
For nearly 110 years, Girl Scout Cookies have been a beloved national tradition, starting from humble beginnings in 1917. The Girl Scouts, eager to expand their programs, faced challenges raising the necessary funds. Women didn’t have their own bank accounts or credit cards at the time, and most did not hold income-producing jobs. Even Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of Girl Scouts and a member of a wealthy Georgia family, needed to sell her jewelry to help fund the movement.
To raise money, women turned to their baking skills. They and their daughters baked simple shortbread cookies in home kitchens, wrapped them in waxed paper, and sold them door to door.
Fast-forward to today, and the days of homemade cookies are long gone. In Atlanta, customers now buy close to 4 million boxes of cookies each year. Favorites like Thin Mints, Samoas, and Trefoils are made by a commercial baker, packaged, and either shipped directly to customers or Atlanta warehouses. Here, girls gather and distribute to those who preordered from their door-to-door sales or host pop-up cookie booths in front of retail partners across the region.
The power of your purchase
When you buy a box of Girl Scout Cookies, you’re not just indulging in a sweet treat. Every penny of profit stays local. This means that when you purchase cookies from a Fulton County troop, a portion of the proceeds benefits that troop directly. In fact, last year, Atlanta area girls earned nearly three million dollars from their sales.
Troops use the money they earn for causes close to their hearts, such as stocking a local food pantry or building a little library. They might also go on an outdoor adventure like camping, horseback riding, or rock climbing. Some girls save their earnings over the years and travel around the state and the world, making memories while making new friends.
The remaining funds stay with the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta council, supporting three camp properties and events like the STEM Expo, which promotes science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and career exploration. Girls receive thousands of dollars in scholarships to participate in programs and camping activities. The council also funds volunteer programs, ensuring that thousands of adult leaders receive background checks and trainings to work with Girl Scouts, ranging from 5 – 18 years old.
While the price of cookies has risen over the years, $6 will still get you a box of any flavor. You may be able to find lower-priced cookies at your local grocery store, but none of those profits go to support girls in your community.
Learning business skills through cookie sales
In addition to the financial benefits, selling Girl Scout Cookies teaches girls essential business skills like customer service, marketing, and money management. According to Girl Scouts of the USA, 80% of women in business were once Girl Scouts, with many getting their first taste of entrepreneurship through the cookie program.
Some of the most successful businesswomen, like Taylor Swift, Queen Latifah, and Martha Stewart, were Girl Scouts. Other notable names include Venus Williams, chef Carla Hall, and Princess Leia herself, the late Carrie Fisher.
“Buying Girl Scout Cookies is a tradition you can feel good about,” said Leslie Gilliam, communications director for Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta. “At a time when girl-serving organizations receive just a fraction of the funding of other groups, every cookie purchase is a statement that you support girls.”
Girl Scout Cookie booth sales run through April. To support local Girl Scouts, visit ShowMeTheCookies.com to find a cookie booth near you or order them for shipping. Customers can also designate an order for our Smiles4Military campaign, and the council will donate the cookies to service members near and far.
