Get excited for cookie season. Today the Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) kicked off a countdown to the 2021 Girl Scout Cookie season with the announcement of a new cookie in select areas. Toast-Yay!, a French toast–inspired cookie dipped in delicious icing and full of flavor in every bite.

Toast Yay!

Amid challenging world events and a global pandemic this year, Girl Scouts created moments of joy by donating cookies to thank frontline workers and using the cookie earnings to support their communities. When Girl Scout Cookie season returns, Toast-Yay! will give consumers a new way to celebrate these moments alongside other favorites, like Thin Mints and Samoas/Caramel deLites. And though social distancing measures may keep families and friends apart, cookie customers will be able to share joy and stay connected this season through a giftbox option that ships directly to others via the Digital Cookie/Smart Cookie online platforms.

Toast Yay!

Consumers will be happy to know that each cookie purchase is an investment in girl leadership in their own community. With every sale, the Girl Scout Cookie Program teaches girls how to think like entrepreneurs as they run their own small businesses and learn skills like goal setting, people skills, and decision making. Girls can also decide how to use their portion of the proceeds for unforgettable leadership experiences and community projects, while councils are dependent on the funds to deliver life-changing Girl Scout programming to 1.7 million girls.

As the COVID-19 pandemic became widespread during the 2020 cookie season, many girl entrepreneurs quickly changed their emphasis to virtual sales as they experienced the same challenges as other businesses. GSUSA also offered a new national online platform, Girl Scouts Cookie Care, that enabled customers to safely order cookies for home delivery or to donate cookies to first responders, volunteers, and local causes. Thanks to their customers, Girl Scouts donated millions of cookie packages last season. In the 2021 season, Girl Scouts will again embrace their entrepreneurial spirit by selling cookies through online platforms and innovative “virtual cookie booths” on social media (with parental supervision). Many girls will offer socially distant or contactless sales and delivery options. If local guidelines allow, in-person sales may also be available in certain areas, keeping girls’ safety top priority.

Although the start of cookie season is recognized nationally in January, timing and product availability varies locally, so contact your local council for more information about sale dates and specific cookie availability.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Girl Scouts of the USA

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