Maggie H.
Adding Spice to Life and Filling Hungry Bellies
Jonesboro | Troop 3343
Troop Leaders: Amy Stanley, Brandy Pratt
Project
Advisor: Debbie Gairhan
Parents/Caregivers: Danyelle
and Keary Hutton
Years in Girl Scouts: 10 years
Gold Award Project: Maggie’s project addressed food insecurity
in northeast Arkansas, where more than 63,000 people rely on food
pantries to feed their families. While raising awareness about
available food resources, she also focused on a challenge that is
often overlooked: how difficult it can be to prepare flavorful,
nutritious meals from pantry staples, especially when lacking basic
spices or cooking skills. To help, Maggie created a website and social
media presence that shares up-to-date information on Craighead County
food pantries and soup kitchens, including hours and services. She
also posted easy, affordable recipes using common food pantry
ingredients, empowering families to make the most of what they have.
Maggie raised funds to assemble and donate 300 spice and seasoning
kits, giving families a way to add flavor and variety to their meals.
To ensure her project continues, the Mayor’s Youth Advancement
Council, where Maggie serves, will assume responsibility for her
website. Her resources are now featured on multiple government and
civic sites, expanding the project’s reach. Additionally, a local
cooking club will continue assembling spice kits to include in their
annual holiday food boxes.
How did the Gold Award process and project affect you
personally? I learned how to network and ask for help as well as
communicate plans and lead large groups of people through multi-step
projects. I learned how to efficiently set up and execute fundraisers
with minimal cost and big returns.
Future plans: Pursue a degree in business/communication, and
work in the culinary industry
