Image via flickr user Marit & Toomas Hinnosaar

While cookies on most websites are seen as annoying and intrusive, the ones being offered by the Girl Scouts of Central California South are far more appealing.

That’s because the Central Valley chapter of the Scouts has pivoted to turning their world famous cookie sales to an online platform in order to raise funds during the pandemic. According to Director of Development Jody Hudson, the girls will still have the option to work in one of their traditional booths with full safety measures in place, but can also provide family, friends and other customers with a link their online store to preorder.

Girl Scouts USA has also partnered up with Grubhub, enabling customers to purchase from home and have their orders delivered. Along with the girls’ safety, Hudson says it’s a great lesson for them to brush up on their entrepreneurial skills.

“We talk about our cookie program and how it really helps girls to be those business entrepreneurs later on in life, so this gives them that ability to — just like us as adults — we’re always having to re-pivot and think of creative things with businesses,” she said.

Hudson added that some of these avenues have included online stores, YouTube and social media. Russel Statham, CEO of Girl Scouts of Central California South, says that the cookie program is voluntary, but those who choose to participate are put through a training program that includes digital marketing and can upload photos and videos to showcase not only their product, but their sales skill.

“I think one of the things that’s really powerful this season is that our girls are learning about what businesses are going through every day through the Covid-19 pandemic,” Statham said. “And so our girls — just like businesses and just like nonprofits — have adapted and we’re really proud of them.”

The girls will be getting their cookies on Feb. 7 and 8.