Girl Scouts Donate Cookies to Families in Need

Girl Scouts of Greater New York partners with City Harvest to distribute donated cookies in Sunset Park

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Girl Scouts of Greater New York have partnered with City Harvest, a food rescue organization, to distribute donated Girl Scout cookies to families experiencing food insecurity in the Sunset Park neighborhood of Brooklyn. The effort is part of the Scouts' 'Gift of Caring' program, which allows customers to purchase cookie donations that stay in New York City.

Why it matters

This partnership between the Girl Scouts and City Harvest highlights the organizations' shared commitment to supporting local communities and addressing food insecurity in New York City. The Girl Scout Cookie Program teaches girls valuable entrepreneurial skills, and the 'Gift of Caring' initiative allows customers to donate cookies to those in need.

The details

On February 13th, Girl Scouts of Greater New York distributed donated cookies alongside fresh, nutritious food to community members at a City Harvest Mobile Market in Sunset Park. This year, the Girl Scouts will donate more than 30,000 boxes of cookies across the five boroughs, with the number expected to increase by the end of cookie season.

  • The cookie distribution event took place on February 13, 2026.
  • The Girl Scouts will donate more than 30,000 boxes of cookies across New York City this year, with the number expected to increase by the end of cookie season.

The players

Girl Scouts of Greater New York

A local council of the Girl Scouts of the USA, a youth organization that empowers girls through outdoor adventures, life skills, entrepreneurship, and community service.

City Harvest

A food rescue organization that collects excess food from businesses and distributes it to hundreds of food pantries, soup kitchens, and other community food programs across New York City.

Arianna

A Girl Scout who participated in the cookie distribution event.

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What they’re saying

“Partnering with City Harvest to distribute donated Girl Scout Cookies to New Yorkers in need is a meaningful expression of what Girl Scouting stands for.”

— Shari Krull, CEO of Girl Scouts of Greater New York (brooklynreporter.com)

“It's important to help people out. I like that we're not just sitting in a room doing work. We are doing fun activities and going places.”

— Arianna, Girl Scout (brooklynreporter.com)

“We are so grateful to the Girl Scouts of Greater New York for this generous donation, which is already bringing smiles and joy to community members in need across the city.”

— Jilly Stephens, CEO of City Harvest (brooklynreporter.com)

What’s next

The Girl Scouts of Greater New York plan to continue their 'Gift of Caring' program, allowing customers to purchase cookie donations that stay in New York City. The organization expects to increase the number of cookie donations by the end of the current cookie season.

The takeaway

This partnership between the Girl Scouts and City Harvest demonstrates how community organizations can work together to support local families in need, while also providing valuable learning experiences for young girls through the Girl Scout Cookie Program.