Nearly $30,000 of Girl Scout Cookies Will Be Provided to Local Food Pantries and Meal Programs in Central and Eastern Kentucky
ERLANGER, KY ––Girl Scouts of Kentucky’s Wilderness Road (GSKWR) will donate over $28,000 worth of cookies to God’s Pantry Food Bank, as part of the Council’s ‘Operation Sweet Treat’ program, whereby Girl Scout customers purchase cookies and then donate them to important causes locally. God’s Pantry Food Bank is Kentucky’s largest food bank, and offers critical assistance to those struggling with food insecurity in Central and Eastern Kentucky, serving 50 counties in partnership with more than 400 food pantries and meal programs. This is the Girl Scouts of Kentucky’s Wilderness Road’s single largest community contribution for the 2020 Cookie Season.
“At a time when food insecurity is even more pervasive due to the impact of COVID-19, Girl Scouts of Kentucky’s Wilderness Road is grateful for the opportunity to make a contribution that will support the critical work of God’s Pantry Food Bank and provide for local families and individuals who need it most,” said Susan Douglas, CEO, GSKWR.
In God’s Pantry Food Bank’s 50-county service area, more than 253,000 individuals are food insecure, meaning they don’t know where their next meal will come from. With the help of more than 400 partner food pantries and meal programs, God’s Pantry Food Bank distributed 39.7 million pounds in fiscal year 2019.
“Research tells us that food insecurity is an ongoing problem in Central and Eastern Kentucky, where 1 in 5 children do not know where their next meal will come from. With the increase in demand we have seen we know those numbers are higher as a result of COVID-19,” said Michael Halligan, CEO, God’s Pantry Food Bank. “This donation will put a smile on the faces of so many during these unprecedented times.”
Girl Scouts of Kentucky’s Wilderness Road’s donation of 7,056 boxes, or 588 cases of Girl Scout Cookies will be distributed to 12 of God’s Pantry Food Bank’s local partner agencies including Kentucky-based food pantries, programs that serve people who are homeless and a children’s feeding program.
About Girl Scouts of Kentucky’s Wilderness Road
Recognized as the premier leadership opportunity for female ambition in Kentucky, Girl Scouts of Kentucky’s Wilderness Road (GSKWR) serves over 8,000 girls and young women in 66 Kentucky counties and 1 Ohio county. With opportunities around the world, GSKWR advocates creativity and free choice, encouraging girls and young women to explore their passions and cultivate change through a focus on life skills, STEM, entrepreneurship and outdoor experiences. Through corporate partnerships in the State of Kentucky, GSKWR is creating a critical career pipeline of intelligent women leaders. To learn more about how Girl Scouts of Kentucky’s Wilderness Road is creating experiential and leadership opportunities for growth, please visit www.gskentucky.org.
About God’s Pantry Food Bank
The mission of God’s Pantry Food Bank is to reduce hunger in Kentucky through community cooperation making the best possible use of all available resources. Partnering through more than 400 food pantries and meal programs the Food Bank serves 50 counties of Central and Eastern Kentucky distributing $100 worth of food for every $10 donated. Last year, God’s Pantry Food Bank and its partner agencies distributed more than 39.7 million pounds of groceries to more than 190,000 individuals, including 13.8 million pounds of fresh produce. For more information visit us at www.godspantryfoodbank.org
