Fort Lauderdale Girl Scout's Gold Award Project Tackles Food Waste
Lilly Gonzalez's Gold Award project, 'Garden of Growth,' addresses food waste through composting and education, showcasing the impactful community initiatives by Girl Scouts.
Lilly Gonzalez, a Fort Lauderdale resident, has been honored with the Girl Scout Gold Award for her project 'Garden of Growth,' which confronts the pressing issue of food waste. The Gold Award, the highest achievement for Girl Scouts in grades nine through 12, recognizes projects that create sustainable change in communities. Gonzalez's initiative focused on the environmental, economic, and social repercussions of food waste, implementing solutions like a self-sustaining compost bin and educational workshops.
Her project, located at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Fort Lauderdale, engaged over 90 participants, including preschoolers and church members, in understanding the benefits of composting. Through interactive activities and the distribution of an educational guide, Gonzalez aimed to reduce waste and improve soil health. Additionally, she trained volunteers in composting techniques and established a system for donating surplus food to a local soup kitchen, partnering with Feeding South Florida to ensure the project's longevity.
Lisa Johnson, CEO of Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida, praised the Gold Award recipients for their innovative and compassionate approaches to community challenges. Gonzalez was one of 27 young women in the region to receive the award in 2025, with support from sponsors like Amazon and Publix Super Market Charities. The Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida continues to empower girls to lead and make a difference, serving thousands across several counties.