NASSAU COUNTY, Long Island

— It's that time of year again when Girl Scout cookies become a hot commodity—yet this season, cookie lovers will have to dig a little deeper into their wallets. The Girl Scouts of America have announced a price hike from $5 to $7 per box, a significant change given that the price had remained steady for five years.

Cassie Colgan from the Girl Scouts of Nassau County explained that while the organization kept its prices lower than many others who have already raised their cookie prices to $6, the escalating costs of production and ingredients made it impossible to maintain the old price any longer. "The deciding factor really was what do we really need to provide to the girls? And can we afford to do it?" Tammy Severino from the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County echoed, noting that they could no longer sustain operations at the previous price point.

This price increase isn’t just about keeping up with inflation; it’s also being leveraged as a learning opportunity for the girls. As they learn about the realities of running a business, they are now faced with increased costs, prompting lessons in budgeting and decision-making—skills that are invaluable as they grow.

Adding to the changes, remember to savor those beloved S'mores and Toast-Yays while you can, because this will be their final season on the shelves. The renowned favorites like Samoas and Thin Mints will still be available, despite mixed reviews from some fans. "I don't like Thin Mints, I don't like them, there I said it," quipped TV host Kelly Ripa, stirring up some playful controversy in the cookie-loving community.

As the new selling season kicks off in just a few weeks, the Girl Scouts are encouraging customers to stock up on their favorite flavors. The leaders are confident that their ambitious young leaders will achieve whatever goals they set this season, proving once again that the Girl Scouts are more than just about cookies—they are about life lessons, resilience, and community building.

Stay tuned for delicious updates as the cookie season ramps up!