Hello Troop Cookie Managers & Leaders,

Happy Friday! Shout out and thank you to all the troops that participated in this year's Candy, Nuts & Magazine Program. It was fast and furious, and we look forward to those well-deserved troop proceeds heading your way in November. Should you have any questions, please email candy@gsksmo.org. Enjoy just a little Product Program downtime until candy & nuts delivery and our upcoming Cookie Program training. 

Cookie materials have arrived, and you will be hearing from your SU Product Program Manager in the next week or so. SU Cookie trainings are coming and our Cookie Central will be updated by the week of November 7. 

As you begin to receive your materials and prepare for the cookie season, we wanted you as our troop cookie managers and leaders to hear from us. We have some important and critical changes ahead for 2023. These changes are in the best interest to keep our council financially strong and most importantly to ensure girls will continue to have the best experiences, camp properties and support they deserve! 

The price of cookies per package will go to $6 beginning in the 2023 cookie season. That's right, all cookie varieties including the gluten free caramel chocolate chip will all be $6 per package. 

More Details on Why & What Your Troop Can Expect

For this first in 25+ years, ABC Bakers had to initiate the commodities clause in our cookie contract due to skyrocketing price increases on the commodities needed to produce Girl Scout Cookies. ABC will take on $.11 per package while GSKSMO will be responsible for an additional $.10 per package over the cost per package in 2022. 

Girl Recognitions will increase from $.14 per package to $.18 per package.

Troop proceeds will remain at $1.00 per package. GSKSMO offers some of the highest proceeds in the country. Average ABC council offers $.72 in troop proceeds.

New this year! A Junior- Ambassador troop, as a full troop can make the decision to forgo girl recognitions, except patches... all girls will receive patches earned and instead earn $1.18 per package. 

See the POWER of a Girl Scout Cookie

Subsidized shipping will continue when the customer purchases 9 -12 packages, 50% of that shipping cost will be underwritten by council proceeds.

Council proceeds will continue to underwrite all credit card fees when making transactions through Smart Cookies. 

This is this first cookie price increase in three years.

Consumers are prepared for a price increase as it is in line with other items in the grocery store, at the gas pump and beyond. And they know this is a support opportunity for Girl Scouts just like our competitors offer at an even higher price.

GSKSMO is not the only council changing the price of cookies.

A majority of GS councils have initiated a council service fee. This is where an additional fee is added beyond the GSUSA $25 membership dues to underwrite the cost of serving a girl. GSKSMO has not added this local council fee to our girls and volunteers' annual membership dues. 

85% of the council revenue is from product /retails sales with the majority of that based in cookies. We continue to work hard in changing this statistic with increased relationship building and support from philanthropic partners. We are committed to the work ahead!

Mackenzie Scott made the largest gift ever to Girl Scouts of the USA and some councils across the movement. Unfortunately, GSKSMO was not one of those councils chosen. We are so appreciative to Mackenzie's commitment to Girl Scouts, and we hope that her generosity will inspire more philanthropists in our region to give to support our Girl Scouts. 

Council + Troop Proceeds = GREAT THNGS FOR GIRLS!!!

No Apologies! = GIRLS DESERVE THE VERY BEST EXPERIENCES, OUTDOOR PROPERTIES AND SUPPORT WE CAN GIVE THEM!!!!!

A price increase is a thorough and thoughtful decision led by our Board of Directors, CEO and leadership team. We look at all opportunities for revenue and to trim any expenses and/or reallocate. Know that we have done that work and with the prediction of prices on commodities to potentially go higher, it was a good business decision to make this price change in 2023. 

We are excited for a fantastic season ahead! Our customers want their taste bud-tempting annual treats and most importantly they want to support all the incredible things our Girl Scouts do to grow into future leaders and take action for their communities. THIS IS THE POWER OF A GIRL SCOUT COOKIE!

You are a valued partner in this endeavor! We couldn't do it without our troop leaders and cookie managers. Thank you for the time you give to ensure girls know they matter!!

All the cookie materials and training will be coming your way soon. Should you have any questions or we can support you, please reach out. We are always here for you! 

Thanks! 

The Product Program Team

cookies@gsksmo.org