Times says girl scout cookies under fire

With the annual sale in full swing in much of the United States, scout leaders are facing critics who think selling $400 million worth of cookies might not be the smartest move in a country where childhood obesity is considered an epidemic.

If that wasn't enough, the Girl Scouts are fending off concerns that the cookies have high levels of unhealthy trans fats.

In reply the national office of the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. has an official statement. "We look at cookies as a treat," said Marion Swan, the communications director. "They shouldn't be a big part of somebody's diet." Besides, the cookies aren't really the point. Their sale helps troops raise money and teaches girls life skills like goal setting and entrepreneurship, Ms. Swan said.

With almost four million girls and adults, the Girl Scouts can be a powerful player in issues of nutrition. To that end, the research arm of the organization last year issued a 35-page health report, "Weighing In: Helping Girls Be Healthy Today, Healthy Tomorrow." Cookies were not mentioned.

The study is part of a "healthy living" initiative the organization plans to roll out later this year. To develop ideas for it, Judy Shoenberg, a Girl Scout researcher, recently met with Ann Cooper, a New York chef and food activist who is leading a national effort to reform school lunches.

"The first thing I said was: "What about the cookies?' " Ms. Cooper said. "You can't have a lifestyle initiative without changing the cookie because you look like a bunch of idiots."

Courtesy of the New York Times 3/10.2005

Bonnie - Agreed. They have a perfect forum to help change convential dietary thinking for girls.