Cookie Program

NOTICE

After Tarheel Triad Council distributed cases of cookies for the Girl Scout Cookie Program, we learned that our baker, ABC Bakers, has received cookie quality complaints, primarily with Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies.

We have received a few phone calls of concern, so Tarheel Triad wants to be certain that you have the facts about the situation.

ABC Bakers has told us that there was rain damage in a third-party warehouse in Tennessee that may have exposed some Girl Scout cases stored there to a high humidity environment that could cause some cookies to be soft or stale tasting. The number of cookies exhibiting these characteristics is very small, perhaps on 2-4% of all of the cookies shipped from that warehouse throughout the southeast.

There have been no reports of any illness associated with consumption of the affected product, nor do we expect any. ABC/Interbake employees have opened, inspected, and tasted many packages in order to confirm that the issue is about taste and appearance rather than health and safety.

Anyone who purchases Girl Scout Cookies that don't taste as delicious as expected can ask for a replacement or a refund by calling the Tarheel Triad Council office at 274-8491 (toll-free, 800-672-2148).

ABC stopped shipping out of the third-party warehouse as soon as they learned of the situation.

The Girl Scout Cookie Program may very well be our most visible Girl Scout Program. Support that the community provides through the purchase of cookies helps make a difference in the lives of girls. Its objectives and benefits are much greater than raising funds for troops and councils. It is one of the many Girl Scout Programs that help girls learn, grow, and practice new skills. At the appropriate age level they learn responsibility, accountability, values, decision-making skills, teamwork and planning skills, salesmanship, budgeting, record keeping, safety, goal setting, and human relations skills, all while they are attaining improved self-image. And it's fun!!!

Troops benefit immediately from the sale of cookies. Every box sold brings money to the troop. The girls plan program activities and determine the cost to carry them out. By troops setting and attaining a sales goal based on the planned activities, success is assured. The troop may earn additional money according to the recognitions option chosen.

A girl can give something back to the Council by participating in the sale. The Cookie Program finances more than one half of the Girl Scout programs in Tarheel Triad Council. All capital expenditures such as equipment for camps, office equipment and upkeep, and development of property are paid for from income the Council receives from the sale. Every girl who sells cookies plays a significant role in the future of Girl Scouting in the Tarheel Triad Council.

NOTE:
Did you know... that all of the proceeds from the Cookie Program stay with the local area? We do not send any of the cookie money to the national organization.

The funds provide training and support for leaders, program and materials for girls who could not otherwise afford it. Cookie funds also subsidize Council camping, program sites, and activities.

GSUSA’s POLICY ON “INTERNET SALES”

The National Board of Directors adopted the following policy on June 4, 2000:

Internet Sales: Sales on a Web site on the Internet* of any products sold in “council-sponsored product sales,” such as Girl Scout cookies, candy, nuts, calendars, or magazine subscriptions, may not be conducted by anyone at any time.

Sales on the Internet* of Girl Scout merchandise, such as uniforms, insignia, publications, and equipment, may only be conducted by duly authorized and licensed Girl Scout councils, council shops, retail agencies and/or GSUSA licensed vendors. Permission to sell on the Internet must be obtained from GSUSA.

For safety and security reasons, sales on the Internet* for any Girl Scout “troop/group money earning activities” may not be conducted by individual girls, parents, or other adults.

*Sales on the Internet include on-line auctions, broadcast e-mail messages, and/or posting on individual Girl Scout, troop/group or Girl Scout council Web sites.

Girls may use e-mail to alert their friends and relatives about our local Girl Scout cookie sale.