Starbucks Canada Pledges Additional $25K to Food Banks in Canada to Address Urgent Need

With soaring demand since the onset of the pandemic, food banks across Canada are facing even greater challenges as the holidays approach. Starbucks Canada today is pledging an additional $25,000 in funding to Food Banks Canada and has created a way for customers to digitally donate, as shortages of food and fewer volunteers this year are making it even more difficult to distribute food to vulnerable Canadians.

Food insecurity grew by 38% in the early months of the pandemic, according to Food Banks Canada. Now, one in seven Canadian households are experiencing food insecurity, and what’s worse is that grocery bills are predicted to increase by nearly $700* for the average family in 2021.

“As we go into the holiday season, know that food banks continue to work in overdrive for our neighbours in need. This year, more than ever, people understand that food insecurity could happen to anybody,” says Chris Hatch, CEO, Food Banks Canada.

Earlier this year, Starbucks Canada and The Starbucks Foundation donated over $1 million of food and cash to help food banks replenish their stock and adapt their operations so that Canadians in need could continue to get access to food. Specifically, Starbucks Canada donated more than $650,000 in food and funds and The Starbucks Foundation donated $350,000 in funds to help, but hunger continues to be a big and growing challenge. Additional funds and support are needed as demand continues to rise.

Starbucks Canada is offering customers digital, cashless opportunities to join the company in donating to their local food banks. Through January 15, customers can donate funds through Starbucks Canada’s donation page on Food Banks Canada or through the link in the Starbucks app. Contributions will ensure vulnerable Canadians have food now and when the pandemic is over. 

“Food banks from coast to coast to coast have stepped up to help, even with extreme drops in volunteers and significant impacts from the pandemic,” says Hatch. “(Canadians’) help during this difficult time is needed and very much valued (to) help us achieve our vision of a Canada where no one goes hungry.”

To learn more about Starbucks Canada’s community impact throughout COVID-19, please visit our at-a-glance overview.

*Source: Canada’s Food Price Report 2021