This season, Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) announced a national partnership with food ordering and delivery platform Grubhub so girls have an additional way to facilitate contact-free cookie orders. In our council of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana, consumers in areas determined by our Gathering Place locations can order Girl Scout Cookies for delivery on Grubhub.com or the Grubhub app. A hands-on experience in managing e-commerce, local Girl Scouts will track and fulfill orders, manage inventory, and more, all using Grubhub’s back-end technology. As always, the proceeds benefit the troop and council while providing another innovative way to safely run the cookie program virtually. GSUSA is grateful to Grubhub for waiving all fees for the organization to make this new delivery option feasible for sales without reducing proceeds.

What does this mean for Girl Scouts in our council?

In our council,  girls will be partnering with GCNWI staff and volunteers to hone their skills and gain some new experiences along the way.

Which Girl Scouts are eligible to participate in the Grubhub partnership?

Just as in all Girl Scout programs, girls build essential skills each year they participate in the Girl Scout Cookie Program. GSUSA, in partnership with councils, have identified this as a progressive opportunity that insures it is girl-led and to provide an extra layer of e-commerce experience gained by offering this cookie selling pathway to them. There are several factors involved, but this does involve a girl “staffing” a Grubhub distribution point in conjunction with GSGCNWI to fulfill orders and gain a greater perspective for the processes and decisions entrepreneurs make every day. The number of girl(s) and staff/volunteers at each location will be limited to ensure COVID safety guidelines are followed. Additional training will be required for all girls, staff and volunteers who participate in this partnership program. All participants must comply with all GSGCNWI COVID safety guidelines as well as the guidelines required by our partner, Grubhub to ensure consumer and driver safety. 

Where will the “cookie cupboards” be located?

Per our national contract with Grubhub, GCNWI may only offer pick-up locations at our Gathering Place locations. Drivers will only service Grubhub diners within a 20-mile radius of each location. Each location will have established hours of operation.

Who will provide the cookies used in this delivery?

The inventory supplied will be managed by Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana and will not come out of the individual girl or troop inventory. Troops will not be allowed to bring cookies from their inventory. Girls and their troop will get credit for packages sold through this model during their “shift.”

How will customers place an order?

Customers can visit www.grubhub.com/food/girl_scouts to find out if/when contact-free delivery from Grubhub is available in their area. When the program launches, customers may order through Grubhub.com or via the Grubhub mobile app.

Do Grubhub diners have the option to pay cash for orders?

No, all orders are required to be placed electronically via the app and/or website.

What times will the booths operate?

Booth times are 4pm to 8pm CST (Thursday thru Saturday). We may add Sunday as an option in the future.

How will this program be marketed in our area?

Grubhub is investing in advertising in the areas it services to promote the Grubhub partnership. We do not have information on where or how frequent ads will run. GSGCNWI, in partnership with Little Brownie Bakery, will be advertising the cookie finder tool starting in February – with a focus on encouraging consumers to purchase cookies from local Girl Scouts. We have also heavily invested in our PR campaign to encourage consumers to purchase through Digital Cookie, visit a local booth location or order from their favorite Girl Scout.

Can customers donate to Gift of Caring through Grubhub?

No. Per our contract and legal requirements with Grubhub, customers may not opt to donate to Gift of Caring (or similar program) at any council.

What fees are diners responsible for paying when ordering?

Diners are responsible for paying a service fee, delivery fee, and small order fee (only for orders under $10), along with an optional driver tip for delivery orders. Councils and troops participating will not be charged any fees by Grubhub for utilizing this program to aid in cookie delivery.

Is there a recommended minimum order amount for delivery orders?

No – diners may order as few as one package.

How are Grubhub drivers screened to protect the councils and the diners?

Grubhub runs criminal and motor vehicle background checks on all drivers and sends them best practices on how to conduct themselves in a professional environment. GSGCNWI staff and adult volunteers will be on-site at each pickup location.

How else can consumers safely purchase Girl Scout Cookies this season?

Consumers can support Girl Scouts by purchasing cookies in a few ways:

• If you know a registered Girl Scout, reach out to her to find out how she is selling cookies – many girls participate in Digital Cookie and may have a link they can share to help you purchase cookies online.
• Beginning February 1, enter your zip code into the Girl Scout Cookie Finder at www.girlscoutcookies.org to purchase from a local Girl Scout troop.
• Stop by the Girl Scout Virtual Pop-up Shop (https://www.girlscoutsgcnwi.org/en/cookies/find.html) and support a troop near you

Troops can begin signing up for a Grubhub Booth Site opportunity starting January 24 in eBudde on the Booth Site tab.