In a world full of bad news, it’s always nice to hear something uplifting. And today’s good news of the day comes from a popular coffee conglomerate.
Today, Starbucks Canada announced a brand new initiative that aims to help those in need. Dubbed Starbucks FoodShare, the initiative is built on a successful pilot project with Second Harvest, the largest food rescue organization in Canada.
Starbucks Canada will donate 100% of its unsold food to people in need.
Starting February 22, 2019, Starbucks will launch the program in Ontario, with more than 250 stores in the greater Toronto area. The end goal, however, is to expand the program nationally by 2021 and help the estimated 4 million Canadians that struggle to put food on the table.
“Wasted food is a wide-scale problem for everyone in the food business, while more than 4 million Canadians are impacted by hunger,” says Luisa Girotto, vice president, Public Affairs, Starbucks Canada. “This is unacceptable, and we will help solve this now that we have a way to safely donate chilled, perishable food, while preserving its quality.”
Starbucks Canada currently donates unsold pastries and baked goods, but will be expanding its offerings.
After much research and quality assurance testing, Starbucks Canada will be donating nourishing items such as breakfast sandwiches, protein boxes, yogurt, salad, paninis, and more for to those in need. And when it comes to the ingredients, those in need won’t be getting second rate food — Starbucks FoodShare has developed a guide on maintaining the perfect temperature, texture, and flavour of food, while Second Harvest will work with local community groups to ensure everything sent meets food safety standards. When the food reaches those who need it most, they’ll be able to safely enjoy it.
The program is great for fighting hunger, but it’s always great for the Starbuck Canada’s environmental footprint.
According to a recent study, it’s estimated that 60% of all food produced is wasted and lost in Canada annually. And with 1,100 company-owned stores Canada-wide, Starbucks Canada’s has room for a lot of improvement. With the Starbucks FoodShare program, the company can divert its uneaten food from landfills. But the company has a number of other initiatives in place, too.
For example, Starbucks is aiming to introduce the strawless lid and eliminate plastic straws globally by 2020. Currently, customers who bring in their own reusable cups or tumblers get a discount on drinks.
To read more about Starbucks’ initiatives, check out the company’s full message of commitment on Starbucks.com
Featured image: Instagram/@starbuckscanada
Articles You Might Be Interested In:
The 7 Best Cafes To Work From In Toronto
Here’s How To Get The Most Out Of Your Well-Earned Coffee Bucks
A Massive New Food Hall Is Opening In Mississauga
There’s A Store In Toronto Where Everything Is Free
Clothing Made Out Of Cow Poop Might Be The Next Eco Trend, No Joke