Get Involved

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question that's not answered below, please contact us and we'll be glad to help.

  1. Who is Share Our Strength?

    Share Our Strength® is the leading national organization working to make sure no kid in America grows up hungry. We weave together a net of community groups, activists and food programs to catch children at risk of hunger, and ensure they have nutritious food where they live, learn and play. We work with the culinary industry to create engaging, pioneering programs like Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation®, Share Our Strength's Great American Bake Sale®, Share Our Strength's A Tasteful Pursuit®, Share Our Strength's Great American Dine Out, and Share Our Strength's Operation Frontline®.

  2. What is Great American Bake Sale?

    Share Our Strength's Great American Bake Sale is a national effort that encourages Americans to host bake sales to help end childhood hunger. Since 2003, more than 1.3 million people have participated in Great American Bake Sale, raising nearly $5 million.

  3. How do I organize a bake sale?

    Holding a bake sale is fun! Please see the Bake Sale Checklist in the Participant Resource Center.

  4. Where can I hold my bake sale?

    Anywhere! Any location across the country that will allow you to have the event in their space— local businesses, schools, places of worship, community centers, neighborhoods, etc. For more ideas, check out our list of possible bake sale locations.

  5. What are the official Share Our Strength 2009 Great American Bake Sale dates?

    Share Our Strength's Great American Bake Sale runs from March 1 through August 31st. However, many individuals choose to host bake sales in the off season. If you are planning to host a bake sale this fall or winter, please contact us at bakesale@strength.org. We are happy to send you our official 2009 Great American Bake Sale materials to help you plan your event.

  6. Can I still hold a bake sale outside the official campaign dates?

    Yes. Bake sales supporting Share Our Strength are being held unofficially throughout the fall and winter. Sign up today! (link to registration form). If you have any questions please contacts us at bakesale@strength.org

  7. I hold my bake sale in the fall or during the holidays. Will my proceeds continue to support after-school and summer feeding programs?

    Yes. All proceeds received from bake sales held outside of official campaign dates will continue to support after-school and summer feeding programs in your community and across the country.

  8. If I have my bake sale this fall or during the holidays, should I wait to submit my bake sale proceeds until the next campaign is launched?

    No. For individuals to receive recognition for their efforts and hard work, we recommend that you submit the contributions as soon as possible. Your speedy response will enable Share Our Strength’s Grants Team to quickly distribute funds.

  9. How can I submit proceeds from my bake sale?

    There are two simple ways to submit proceeds from your bake sale—make an online donation by credit card or mail your donation.

    • To make an online donation by credit card:

      If you would like to make a donation by credit card, please use the online donation form.

    • To make a donation by mail:

      If you would like to make a donation by mail, make your check payable to Share Our Strength. Send your check to the following address:
      Share Our Strength – Great American Bake Sale (GABS)
      P.O. Box 75203
      Baltimore, MD 21275-5203

      Please do not mail cash and remember to include your Bake Sale ID.

  10. How can I share my bake sale story?

    We'd love to see your event in action. Please send us your photos with a note describing the photo and identify all participants in the photo to either bakesale@strength.org (<1 megabyte, please), upload your photos to our Flickr group, or mail them to: Share Our Strength's Great American Bake Sale, ATTN: Participant Center, 1730 M Street NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20036.

  11. How will funds raised from my bake sale be used?

    Bake sale proceeds are donated to after-school and summer feeding programs in your community and across the country—food programs that hundreds and thousands of kids depend on.

  12. How can my organization apply for a grant?

    Find out more information here to see if your organization is eligible to receive a grant for the funds raised from Great American Bake Sale.

  13. Are the funds raised at my Great American Bake Sale tax-deductible?

    No, the purchase of baked goods is not a tax-deductible contribution. By hosting a Great American Bake Sale, you are acting on behalf of Share Our Strength and therefore would not claim the money raised as a tax deductible contribution. Generally, the individuals buying baked goods at your Great American Bake Sale are receiving a benefit equal to the contribution. Internal Revenue Service Publication 526 states: “If you receive a benefit as a result of making a contribution to a qualified organization, you can deduct only the amount of your contribution that is more than the value of the benefit you receive.”

  14. What if there are restrictions in my area about selling food without a license?

    Bake sales on behalf of a nonprofit cause are usually legal even in localities that have strict rules about selling food products. You should still consult your local health department if you have any questions.

  15. Will the funds that I raise stay in my community?

    Every effort will be made to ensure that the funds stay in your community. You can also help by encouraging any outstanding organizations in your community to apply for a grant.

  16. What is Share Our Strength's Federal identification number?

    Share Our Strength's Federal identification number is 52-1367538.