Girl Scouts throughout the Highline community began their annual fundraising cookie sale last weekend.

And once again, they will participate in Operation Cookie Drop as part of their sale, which runs March 2-18.

Last year Totem Council Girl Scouts, which includes Highline-area troops, delivered 41,000 boxes purchased by local customers to military personnel serving overseas or on board Navy ships based in the Puget Sound region.

This year something is different about these cookies than those sold in years past.

They're "guilt free Girl Scout cookies," said Tina Johnson with the Totem Council.

"While you will see your favorite cookies, something is different this year," Johnson said. "They're healthier, too.

"Listening to what customers want is critical to successful sales and that's exactly what Girl Scouts did. This year all Girl Scout Cookie varieties are 'zero trans fat per serving.'"

Trans-fats contain high levels of LDL, the "bad" cholesterol, and increase the risk of coronary artery disease.

The sale of eight varieties of cookies at $4 a box will raise funds for local Girl Scouts to pay for a service project or plan a trip.

In addition, the cookie sale helps train Girl Scouts in marketing and money management, Johnson noted.

Customers who don't see Girl Scouts at local stores and supermarkets can find cookies by going to www.girlscoutstotem.org/cookies.