EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England (GSSNE) wrapped up their 2024 cookie season on March 29, but what do they do with the cookies that didn’t sell?

According to the Girl Scouts of the United States of America, fresh batches of cookies are baked to sell each year. The national organization encourages Girl Scout councils and troops to work with local food pantries and charitable organizations to donate.

A spokesperson for GSSNE, which covers all Girl Scout troops in Rhode Island as well as Pawcatuck, Connecticut, and 13 communities in Southeastern Massachusetts, told 12 News they typically sell all but 2% of their cookies during the season.

“With our unsold cookies, we do we offer our troops late booth sales so they can continue to fund their exciting adventures,” marketing and communications manager Taylor Gomes said in an email. “Any unsold cookies that remain are donated to local food banks or used internally for Girl Scout events or snacks at summer camp.”

GSSNE has an online “cookie share” program, where customers can sponsor donations of Girl Scout cookies to first responders, hospital staff, nursing homes, and others in need in the community.

According to Gomes, GSSNE was able to donate 5,849 packages of cookies through its cookie share program this season. The program is still accepting donations from those who want to support Girl Scouts in their community while also giving a sweet treat to those in need.