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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 $6 million.

  3. How do I organize a bake sale?

    Holding a bake sale is easy and fun! Sign up today to get started. For helpful ideas and information, check out Bake Sale 101. It’s your Great American Bake Sale 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 October 31st. However, many individuals choose to host bake sales in the off season. The great thing about hosting a bake sale is that it can be done on your schedule and we are always here to support your efforts.

  6. 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.

  7. 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 greatamericanbakesale@gmail.com.

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

    Funds raised support Share Our Strength’s national and local efforts to end childhood hunger in America by 2015. In 2009, we funded more than 300 organizations across the country working to end hunger. For more information, visit www.strength.org.

  9. How can my organization apply for a grant?

    Guidelines for the After-School and Summer Feeding Program grants can be found here. Or for more information about all of Share Our Strength’s grant opportunities contact the grants department at grants@strength.org.

  10. 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 funds 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.”

  11. 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. If you are told you cannot sell homemade goods, consider asking local businesses to donate goods for your bake sale. Use the Donation Request letter located in Bake Sale 101.

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

    Share Our Strength's Federal identification number is 52-1367538. We are happy to provide verification of our tax-exempt status if needed.