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Starbucks is taking several actions to protect the health and well-being of our partners (employees) and customers and to control the spread of COVID-19. All decisions are grounded in partner and customer care and safety, based on facts and science, and communicated with transparency. Read below for an at-a-glance overview.

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Your Starbucks Experience may look different as we navigate this dynamic situation community-by-community and store-by-store. Our commitment to you is that we will continue to make proactive decisions for our partners and the people we serve.

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Starbucks is offering support with comprehensive care to all our store partners including a recently announced wage increase, mental health benefits and paid time for sick days and family care.

While stores across the country continue to support communities at local levels, we have assembled the biggest, most comprehensive donation program in the history of Starbucks Canada to support Canadians across the country in three areas: first responders and front-line workers; access to food; and support for the most vulnerable Canadians.

Thanking front-line responders: The Starbucks Foundation donated $100,000 to COVID-19 fundraising drives set up by hospital foundations in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal. And, to say thank you, Starbucks offered <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/starbucks-partners-covid-19-front-line-responders/">free brewed coffee (hot or iced) to all front-line responders</a> from March until May 2020. To date, our partners have served <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/1-million-cups-of-free-coffee-served-to-front-line-responders/">more than one million cups of free coffee </a>to first responders and front-line healthcare workers across Canada and the U.S.

Helping vulnerable Canadians: $100,000 from The Starbucks Foundation went to <a href="https://www.unitedway.ca/">United Way Centraide</a>’s COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund. The donation will help the United Way accomplish its priorities: to ensure people in self-isolation have basic needs, such as food and supplies; to give support to seniors in isolation; and to ensure mental health services are available to vulnerable Canadians.

Supporting food banks: Starbucks Canada and The Starbucks Foundation donated <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/starbucks-canada-donates-over-1-million-to-help-growing-food-crisis/">over $1 million in food and financial support</a> to help the complex changing realities of food banks and community outreach organizations during COVID-19. This includes helping them shift their operational needs and providing drivers from Starbucks Canada’s foodservice distributor GFS (Gordon Food Service) to deliver food to those most in need.

Neighbourhood Grants: Throughout the pandemic, the Starbucks Foundation <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/the-starbucks-foundation-invests-145k-in-grants-to-support-local-communities-across-canada/">has been making rounds of donations</a> to hundreds of organizations across Canada, and is currently reviewing a record number of nominations made by stores in the latest round. These grants were informed and inspired by Starbucks partners who highlighted the causes and organizations uplifting their communities during COVID-19. In Canada, we heard from our partners about how hunger relief, supporting families and children, and addressing homelessness are top of mind. Additionally, Starbucks partners are volunteering their time and making their own financial donations to local charities across the country.

Starbucks is taking several actions to protect the health and well-being of our partners (employees) and customers and to control the spread of COVID-19. Here’s what you need to know.

At a Glance: What Customers Need to Know about Starbucks Response to COVID-19

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At a Glance: Our Response to COVID-19

This week, Starbucks Canada will temporarily modify its operations in all its company-operated stores in Quebec and Ottawa to a grab and go model.

This latest move in the company’s efforts to keep partners (employees), customers and communities safe follows the Quebec government’s mandate that restaurants move to grab and go in three districts in the province as COVID-19 cases continue to rise. Last month, Starbucks announced it would <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/update-on-facial-coverings/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/update-on-facial-coverings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">require customers to use facial coverings</a> in all company-operated stores in Canada.

Customers in Quebec and Ottawa will still be able to walk into stores and order at the counter and at the Drive-Thru, however all seating will be temporarily paused or removed, including patio and outdoor areas. Customers in select areas can also order Starbucks Delivers, powered by Uber Eats.

Please <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/what-customers-need-to-know-about-starbucks-response-to-covid-19/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/what-customers-need-to-know-about-starbucks-response-to-covid-19/" target="_blank">click here</a> for an at-a-glance look at Starbucks COVID-19 safety measures.

Starbucks Will Temporarily Move to a “To Go” Model in all Quebec and Ottawa Stores

Starbucks Temporarily Moves to a “To Go” Model in All Quebec and Ottawa Stores

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With <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/starbucks-canada-prioritizes-safety-as-it-resumes-store-operations/" target="_blank">partner (employee) and customer safety</a> top of mind, Starbucks Canada is set to open its cafe doors and welcome customers for walk-in take-out orders. By this weekend, two-thirds of stores across Canada will offer grab-and-go service, which means customers can go inside a cafe to place their order to go, but all in-cafe and patio seating will remain closed.

Since the onset of COVID-19, Starbucks Canada <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/what-customers-need-to-know-about-starbucks-response-to-covid-19/" target="_blank">tested and refined new ways of working</a> to protect the health and well-being of its partners and customers, consistent with the guidance provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada, provincial governments and safety experts.

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The grab-and-go model continues to prioritize safety. When a customer walks into a cafe to order at the counter, they will notice floor markers and signage directing them where to stand to remain physically distant. There will also be a plexi-shield at the POS as an added barrier to protect partners and customers. Partners will wear facial coverings and adhere to Starbucks <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/what-customers-need-to-know-about-starbucks-response-to-covid-19/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">safety measures</a>.

The addition of grab-and-go provides more ways to enjoy Starbucks, expanding service from drive-thru, <a href="https://www.ubereats.com/ca/brand/starbucks/?utm_source=starbucks_can&amp;utm_medium=brandpage&amp;utm_content=PAowned">Sta</a><a href="https://www.ubereats.com/ca/brand/starbucks/?utm_source=starbucks_can&amp;utm_medium=brandpage&amp;utm_content=PAowned" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">r</a><a href="https://www.ubereats.com/ca/brand/starbucks/?utm_source=starbucks_can&amp;utm_medium=brandpage&amp;utm_content=PAowned">bucks® Delivers</a> powered by Uber Eats (limited delivery area and menu options. See Uber Eats app for details), and pickup at entryway or drive-thru after <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/how-to-guide-for-digital-ordering-at-starbucks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mobile ordering</a>.

With grab-and-go service, customers now have the option to walk into a cafe, order at the counter and pay with any method, though Starbucks encourages downloading and using the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/starbucks-app-evolved-into-a-tool-for-customers-amid-covid-19/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starbucks App</a> for contactless pay. Customers can also order ahead and pay with their Starbucks App to save time. Mobile orders can be picked up at the designated handoff area inside the cafe or at the drive-thru.

The added benefit of using the Starbucks App is that customers can <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/how-to-join-starbucks-rewards/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">collect Stars towards Rewards</a> with almost all purchases when they become Starbucks Rewards members. To welcome customers back to stores, Starbucks is offering new promotions:

Following grab-and-go, Starbucks is poised to move quickly to allow customers to dine in its cafes and patios in a limited capacity. Opening in-cafe and patio seating will be determined on a community-by-community basis, and Starbucks will work closely with local leadership, health authorities and provincial governments as the environment and regulations change.

With partner (employee) and customer safety top of mind, Starbucks Canada is set to open its cafe doors and welcome customers for walk-in take-out orders. By this weekend, two-thirds of stores across Canada will offer grab-and-go service.

Starbucks Canada Welcomes Customers Back in Stores with Grab-and-Go Service

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Starbucks serves as the third place for customers — a warm and welcoming place between home and work where they can turn for comfort and connection. But in the new physical-distancing environment, Starbucks had to rethink what the third place looked like.

At a time when many are feeling socially isolated and lonely, Starbucks tuned into the need for community and committed itself to providing safe, familiar, and convenient experiences. Over the past few weeks, the third place experience created by Starbucks partners (employees) in our stores has extended and evolved into an enhanced digital relationship with customers through the <a href="https://www.starbucks.ca/coffeehouse%2Fmobile-apps" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starbucks App</a>.&nbsp;

The Starbucks App provides a safe, easy, and convenient way for customers to enjoy their favourite menu items. Customers can order ahead and pay with the Starbucks App at participating stores, which not only saves time, but helps minimize contact with partners and other customers.

After placing an order through the Starbucks App, customers can either pick up their order from a barista at the store entryway or at the drive-thru. For those new to using the app, here are <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/how-to-guide-for-digital-ordering-at-starbucks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">step-by-step instructions for digital ordering</a>.

The Starbucks App is a tool for customers to help minimize contact, <a href="https://www.starbucks.ca/store-locator" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">find their closest store</a>, and check operating hours.

By using the Starbucks App, customers can also <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/how-to-join-starbucks-rewards/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">collect Stars towards Rewards</a> with almost all purchases when they become Starbucks Rewards members and pay with their registered Starbucks Card in the app. To welcome customers back to stores, Starbucks is offering three new promotions:

Another convenient way customers can enjoy their favourite menu items is through <a href="https://www.ubereats.com/ca/brand/starbucks/?utm_source=starbucks_can&amp;utm_medium=brandpage&amp;utm_content=PAowned" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starbucks Delivers</a> via Uber Eats. Menu limited. See the Uber Eats App for details.

As we move out of this crisis, <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/starbucks-canada-prioritizes-safety-as-it-resumes-store-operations/">partner and</a><a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/starbucks-canada-prioritizes-safety-as-it-resumes-store-operations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> </a><a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/starbucks-canada-prioritizes-safety-as-it-resumes-store-operations/">customer safety</a> will continue to be Starbucks top priority.&nbsp;

How the Starbucks App Evolved into a Tool for Customers Amid COVID-19

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Since the onset of the pandemic, Starbucks has moved quickly to modify and adapt its operations to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The company’s guiding principle from the beginning has been to prioritize partner (employee) and customer safety, based on facts and science, and communicated with transparency.

Amid the outbreak in early March, Starbucks was among the first to <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/managing-through-the-dynamics-of-covid-19/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pause the use of personal cups</a> and “for here” ware as an initial precautionary measure. <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/comprehensive-partner-care-during-covid-19/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sampling and the use of Cambro® containers</a> were also paused, and cleaning and sanitizing protocols were increased to help prevent the spread of germs in stores.&nbsp;

Starbucks also took a leadership approach by temporarily closing company-operated <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/caring-for-our-partners-and-customers-during-covid-19/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stores in high-social gathering locations</a> like stores located in malls and in colleges and universities to encourage physical distancing.&nbsp;

Now, as Starbucks is on track to <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/starbucks-canada-expects-to-resume-operations-in-as-many-stores-as-possible-by-the-end-of-may/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resume operations in as many stores as possible</a> by the end of May, partner and customer safety continues to be the company’s No. 1 priority.&nbsp;

Starbucks safety measures

As the global crisis evolved, Starbucks Canada tested and refined new ways of working to protect the health and well-being of its partners and customers, consistent with the guidance provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada, provincial governments and safety experts.&nbsp; 

Partners, for example, are provided with personal protective equipment, including <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/what-customers-need-to-know-about-starbucks-response-to-covid-19/" target="_blank">facial coverings</a> and gloves. It is mandatory for any partner working in a store to wear a facial covering, but gloves are optional. As an additional safety measure, baristas will complete a check-in procedure at the start of each shift, which includes taking their temperature and using the COVID-19 Virtual Coach to ensure they are ready and able to work, helping every member of the team feel more confident while working together.

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Additionally, to protect our partners and our community, Starbucks Canada now respectfully requests customers follow physical distancing and safety protocols recommended by public health officials, including wearing a facial covering when visiting our stores. Although customers do not typically come in prolonged contact with partners or each other in Starbucks current modified operations, this additional step serves as an added layer of protection for our customers and partners.

Preparing partners to return to work

Despite the challenges of navigating this pandemic, Starbucks has remained committed to taking care of its partners. As store operations resume, all partners will attend a re-immersion training to set them up for success and ensure they feel safe, welcomed and supported to run their store.

The training is broken up into two blocks over two days and consists of audio recordings, interactive PDFs, and videos so partners can participate while physical distancing. The first block of training focuses on reconnecting partners with their team and acknowledging everyone’s experience during this pandemic. Partners will also participate in an eight-minute meditation together. The goal is to build greater empathy and understanding for each partner’s journey so that partners can better support each other.

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The second block of training focuses on the operational changes to promote physical distancing and increased safety. This will help familiarize partners with the way stores will work for the foreseeable future. Partners will learn how to move together in a modified store space, up-to-date guidance on cleaning and sanitizing protocols, how to properly handoff a customer’s beverage while giving them the space to retrieve it safely, and how to create positive customer experiences in this uncertain time.&nbsp;

Reimagining the Starbucks Experience

After expanding services to include entryway pickup, Starbucks is now looking forward to adding grab-and-go in the future. Where social distancing can be accommodated, this format will allow customers to place an order in the café and take it to-go, or use the order ahead and pay feature in the <a href="https://www.starbucks.ca/coffeehouse%2Fmobile-apps" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starbucks App</a> and pick it up at the counter. In preparation, Starbucks is sourcing plexi-shields to be installed at the POS.

Starbucks Canada is well on its way to resuming operations across the country. By the end of this week, Starbucks Canada will have safely resumed operations in 65% of stores with modified formats.

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Currently, Drive-Thru and take-out only locations remain open to serve customers, and delivery is available through <a href="https://www.ubereats.com/ca/brand/starbucks/?utm_source=starbucks_can&amp;utm_medium=brandpage&amp;utm_content=PAowned" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starbucks Delivers</a> via Uber Eats. In most cases, customers who use the <a href="https://www.starbucks.ca/coffeehouse%2Fmobile-apps" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starbucks app</a> can pick up their order from a barista at the door without entering the café or at the drive-thru.

The Starbucks Experience may differ depending on location, but it will still be convenient, familiar and safe for all customers.

To learn about <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/what-customers-need-to-know-about-starbucks-response-to-covid-19/" target="_blank">what customers can expect</a>, watch the video below.

As the global crisis evolved, Starbucks Canada tested and refined new ways of working to protect the health and well-being of its partners and customers, consistent with the guidance provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada, provincial governments and safety experts.

Starbucks Canada Prioritizes Safety as it Resumes Store Operations

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When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Starbucks Canada made the decision to step back and rethink what partner (employee) and customer safety looked like. Starbucks <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/starbucks-canada-to-close-cafes-and-move-to-drive-thru-and-delivery-only/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">closed most company-operated cafés</a> and reduced its service to Drive-Thru, delivery, and take-out only.&nbsp;

These open stores have helped Starbucks test and refine new ways of working, specifically in this social-distancing environment, and now, the company is ready to roll out its new model more broadly.

Over the following days and weeks, customers will have access to more stores, and the company expects to resume operations in as many stores as possible by the end of May. This will be determined on a community-by-community basis as Starbucks continues to prioritize the health and well-being of its customers and partners.

This announcement was made by Lori Digulla, president of Starbucks Canada, in an open letter to all partners today. “A lot has changed over the last six weeks,” she said. “As we enter this new phase, we know that we can evolve how we serve our customers as restrictions begin to lift and we are ready to continue to be fluid in how we serve our communities.”

Starbucks will monitor and adjust its operations, making decisions to open additional stores or expand services (like curbside pick-up or walk-in orders) on a community-by-community basis working closely with local leadership, health authorities and provincial governments as the environment and regulations change. 

To learn about what customers can expect, watch the video below.

To learn more about the mandatory safety measures Starbucks has put in place, visit our <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/what-customers-need-to-know-about-starbucks-response-to-covid-19/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">at-a-glance overview</a>. To learn more about this announcement, read Lori Digulla’s full letter below.

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These last six weeks have been challenging in every sense. Everything about our lives at home, at work, and how we interact within our communities has changed and taken an emotional toll on each of us.&nbsp;The impact of COVID-19 has been unimaginable, and it requires us to re-imagine our future, our new normal, and then the next normal, as we navigate out of this crisis together.

Throughout this ever-changing situation, every decision we’ve made has been rooted in our Mission and values. They are, and always will be, our compass. We’ve prioritized the health and well-being of our customers and partners, made decisions grounded in facts and science and showed up in a positive and responsible way to serve our communities.&nbsp; Thank you for your commitment throughout these changes. Your care, participation and leadership has allowed us to accomplish so much in a short period of time.

Together, we have completely reimagined how to operate our stores safely, for partners and customers, often exceeding guidance from government and health authorities. We made the decision to continue to pay all our partners even if they weren’t working, and paid you even more if you were, while offering comprehensive mental health and EAP support. And we developed the biggest and most comprehensive community support program in our history, including food donations, financial grants, and prioritizing support for First Responders and Front-Line workers.

I am so very proud of you and your unwavering support for each other and the communities we serve.&nbsp; During this time of uncertainty, you have been there for each other and our customers in so many creative and deeply compassionate ways.&nbsp; I am humbled to stand beside you as a partner and am constantly inspired by each of you.&nbsp; Our customers have shared with us that we are playing an important role for them during this difficult time. We have received letters, and cards and posts, and heard stories that the sense of normalcy and respite we bring is important to them. Front Line workers have been deeply appreciative of our “surprise and delights” and free coffee. &nbsp;And I hear from many of you that you are eager to get back to your stores and reunite with your customers and your communities.

Our open stores have helped us learn so much about our new “take out” model and we have changing patterns and busy day parts we are adjusting to.&nbsp; These stores have helped us test and refine new ways of working and new operating models, designed specifically for this social-distancing environment, and we will now roll this out more broadly.&nbsp;

Starting this week, customers will have access to more stores, and we expect to resume operations in as many stores as possible by the end of May. &nbsp;To start, these stores will offer our current Drive Thru, delivery and pick-up only service.&nbsp; From there, we will monitor and adjust our operations, making decisions to open additional stores or expand services (like curbside pick-up or walk-in orders) on a community-by-community basis working closely with local leadership, health authorities and provincial governments as the environment and regulations change.

To facilitate the best decisions in each market across the country and support our field leaders in this work, we have developed a data-rich dashboard to provide comprehensive information, including store format details, government data on confirmed cases and trends about COVID-19 and how that may influence decisions at the individual store level. As the ability to test for COVID-19 increases, we’ll be able to continuously enhance our monitoring capabilities.

Of course, we have a number of previously announced mandatory measures that remain in place to run safe stores for partners and customers:

We will also continue to provide Catastrophe Pay through June 14th for any partner:

A lot has changed over the last 6 weeks. As we welcome back thousands of partners who have not been working since mid-March, understandably, you will experience a variety of emotions and have questions about our modified operations. All partners will attend two blocks of training over two days, to reconnect on supporting partner care, community building, and the safety and operational changes we’ve put in place in our stores. It will be important to come together as a team and familiarize everyone to the way we will work for the foreseeable future. We will continue to lean into the many safety measures we’ve already put in place, and as we monitor and adapt, we will invest in new solutions, if needed, to ensure you feel cared for and supported.

As we enter this new phase, we know that we can evolve how we serve our customers as restrictions begin to lift and we are ready to continue to be fluid in how we serve our communities. I also ask that we continue to care for each other. Throughout this, we’ve all tried to do what is right, follow guidelines and help those around us the best we can, but now more than ever, as we begin to come together again, we need to treat each other with compassion and empathy.

The impact that this pandemic has had on the world has been widespread, yet unique to each of us, and wholly unimaginable. Coming out of that, we must acknowledge and grieve what we have lost and then work together to collectively reimagine our future. I know that together, we will recover from the events of the COVID-19 pandemic and while we won’t be the same as before, we will be stronger. The resilience, commitment and care you have demonstrated at every step is proof of that!

It is with optimism and gratitude that I welcome you back to do what we love to do, serve our communities and be with our Starbucks family.&nbsp; I look forward to welcoming you back home. &nbsp;

Starting this week, customers will have access to more stores, and the company expects to resume operations in as many stores as possible by the end of May. This will be determined on a community-by-community basis as Starbucks continues to prioritize the health and well-being of its customers and partners.

Starbucks Canada Expects to Resume Operations in as Many Stores as Possible by the End of May

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Starbucks partners have served more than 1 million cups of free coffee to first responders and front-line health care workers during the COVID-19 outbreak, the company announced Thursday.

Since March 25, Starbucks has been giving out free tall brewed (hot or iced) coffees to first responders and front-line health care workers and will continue to do so through the end of May. &nbsp;

For many of those working long hours caring for those who are sick or in need, a cup of coffee can represent a bright spot in their day and give them a much-needed boost, some say.

Behind each cup of coffee served are Starbucks partners across Canada and the United States committed to helping show their support and admiration to those on the front lines, whether that means delivering coffee to those who need it, writing notes of encouragement to accompany each order and more. Here are some of their stories:

A small act of kindness for long-term care facilities

Long-term care facilities are particularly vulnerable at this time, but the nurses who work there can feel overlooked. To ensure they felt taken care of, Starbucks store manager Maria Gaw, of Airdrie, Alberta, organized a delivery of coffee travelers to two local long-term homes.

Maria’s partner, Kayla Noordhof, is training to be a health care aide and helped her contact the facilities to ensure they would accept the token of appreciation. One of the nurses she got in touch with broke down crying when she called.&nbsp;

“It’s moments like this that make me proud to be a partner,” Gaw says. “The nurse was so appreciative of the kind gesture. She was grateful that we remembered that they were working just as hard (if not harder) as our hospital nurses.”&nbsp;

Since then, Gaw and her Starbucks team have continued donating coffee at least once a week “just to keep our nurses happy and show that we care.”

Special delivery to Washington D.C. police stations

For the last 18 months, Adam Modzel has been strengthening the relationship between Starbucks and local police departments by hosting 100 “Coffee with a Cop” events at Starbucks stores, helping secure a grant to the Washington D.C. Police Foundation, and outreach efforts on Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.

When the pandemic hit, Modzel, Starbucks regional director in Washington D.C., had to shut down 98 out of 100 stores he supervises.

Regardless, he made a commitment to keep that work going. Starbucks district managers, store managers and store partners have volunteered to brew and deliver coffee to every single D.C. Police station every afternoon for roll call. Fifty cups of coffee for each of the 11 stations. Every single day for the last four weeks.

“I’m always inspired by our partners, but this is next level,” Modzel says. “They're choosing every day to show up to serve their customers and their communities. We’ve had hundreds of partners do that. It shows how extraordinary our people are.”

Connecting with the community

One of the perks of being a Starbucks partner is having the opportunity to take home a free pound of coffee or one box of tea as a markout each week. Taking advantage of this perk, two Starbucks stores in West Kelowna, B.C. decided to collect their markouts and donate them to emergency service workers.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for ALL district partners to come together to recognize and thank front-line responders,” said store manager Shannon LeBlanc. “It allows partners from closed stores and those in quarantine to stay connected to our community as well!”

Altogether, the Starbucks partners donated eight bags of goodies to local fire departments, ambulance attendants, and the Kelowna General Hospital. Each bag was filled with three pounds of coffee, one box of tea and one box of Starbucks® VIA® Instant® coffee. 

“We are always looking for ways to continue recognizing front-line responders,” added LeBlanc.

On call for first responders

Ambulances and other first-responder vehicles often don’t fit through standard drive-thru lanes, and even if they do, they don’t want to be stuck in line in case an emergency arises.

That’s why Thomas Winklebeck, Starbucks store manager in Skokie, Ill., has handed out his personal cell phone number to the Skokie Fire Department. They call him direct, so he can walk out to the parking lot or the front of the store and deliver drinks to first responders and “service those that put their life on the line for all of us on a daily basis.” 

“Four years ago I had open heart surgery and by the grace of god, I was given a second chance,” Winklebeck says. “From that day forward I always said every day I’m gonna be the best possible person I can be today.”

Creating normalcy in an abnormal time

Thanks to a family connection, a Starbucks team in Vaughan, Ont. was able to deliver a big container of coffee to their regional paramedic department.

Starbucks shift supervisor Genevie Acebedo’s brother works for the logistics team at the department. She helped deliver the coffee and a short note of encouragement on behalf of her Starbucks store.

“Just like our Starbucks mission, we believe that through a simple cup of coffee we can show our support to inspire those who continue to serve our community,” said Acebedo’s store manager, Bettina Ann Relopez. “We want to be a reminder to our front-line workers that even though these times are difficult, we will be here to create that sense of normalcy for them.”&nbsp;

Supporting front-line responders in the community has become very important to Relopez’s team during the pandemic. Each week, the Starbucks partners deliver coffee to a different institution to show their care and appreciation.

Behind each cup of coffee served are Starbucks partners across Canada and the United States committed to helping show their support and admiration to those on the front lines, whether that means hand delivering coffee to those who need it, writing notes of encouragement to accompany each order and more.

Starbucks Gives over 1 Million Cups of Free Coffee to Front-Line Responders in Canada and the U.S. (and Counting)

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https://stories.starbucks.ca/en-ca/stories/2020/starbucks-partners-supporting-front-line-responders-in-canada-and-the-us/

As this global health crisis has evolved, we’ve seen Starbucks partners (employees) across Canada reach out to hospital and emergency staff, firefighters, police, and countless others with <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/starbucks-partners-supporting-front-line-responders-in-canada-and-the-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">incredible acts of support and kindness</a> – and free coffee.

The vast community efforts of Starbucks store partners inspired the company to expand on its existing support for first responders, which included keeping cafés open, in or around hospitals and health care centers to serve first responders, health care workers, and their incredible support staff.

On March 25, Starbucks announced that any customer who identified as a front-line responder to the COVID-19 outbreak would receive a <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/starbucks-partners-covid-19-front-line-responders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tall brewed coffee (hot or iced) at no charge</a>.

As of today, we can proudly say that over the last few weeks, our partners have served more than one million cups of free coffee to first responders and front-line healthcare workers across Canada and the U.S. That number will only continue to grow, as Starbucks announced today that it will extend this offer of free coffee to front-line workers until the end of May.

In Canada, specifically, our partners have served more than 112,000 cups to front-line workers. But coffee isn’t the only way Starbucks is supporting those who are serving our communities through the COVID-19 crisis. Earlier this month, The Starbucks Foundation announced a <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/starbucks-extends-covid-19-support-for-partners/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">$100,000 donation to COVID-19 fundraising drives</a> set up by hospital foundations in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal.

Amid this uncertain time, there’s been <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/starbucks-partners-covid-19-front-line-responders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">no shortage of good deeds</a> from our store partners who have continued to find ways to support those who are keeping our communities safe.

We want to thank our first responders for all that they’re doing for us. These front-line workers are committed to serving our communities, and we are committed to serving them.

To see all that Starbucks is doing in response to COVID-19, please <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/what-customers-need-to-know-about-starbucks-response-to-covid-19/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">visit our at-a-glance overview</a>.&nbsp;

In Canada, specifically, our partners have served more than 112,000 cups to front-line workers. But coffee isn’t the only way Starbucks is supporting those who are serving our communities through the COVID-19 crisis.

Starbucks has Served over 1 Million Cups of Free Coffee to First Responders who are Tirelessly Serving our Communities

https://stories.starbucks.ca/en-ca/stories/2020/1-million-cups-of-free-coffee-served-to-front-line-responders/

Recipients include Food Banks Canada, Second Harvest, Yonge Street Mission, and Woods Homes

Hunger is part of the COVID-19 crisis. Last year, there were 1.1 million visits to food banks per month, but in the past two weeks alone, there’s been a 20 per cent increase in use, according to Food Banks Canada. As COVID-19 evolves, that number is expected to climb even higher.

“My biggest concern is running out of food in food banks,” said Food Banks Canada CEO Chris Hatch said. “I am fearful of what’s coming around the corner with increased demand, so we’re trying to get additional food and bulk buy at a very large-scale volume and then transport it to the people that need it.”&nbsp;

This sudden spike in demand has put tremendous strain on food banks and community outreach organizations, who are experiencing a shortage of volunteers, staff, and food donations. “Many of the agencies we deliver to have had to shut their doors because they’re run by volunteers,” said Lori Nikkel, CEO of Second Harvest, Canada's largest food rescue organization. “A lot of seniors support non-profits and they’re our most compromised category of people — so we’ve had to change our system.” 

In order to comply with Public Health requirements of physical distancing, food banks and community outreach centers have had to adapt their operations. Now, instead of inviting people into their space to shop or share a meal, many have adjusted to meeting clients in designated pick-up spots with pre-packed food boxes. Others have moved to an appointment-only model to minimize crowds and some have even begun doing home deliveries.&nbsp;

“We’re working with partners to ensure we can actually change our system to get meals out to people. We’re trying to figure out solutions to get food right to their hands,” Nikkel said.

It’s obvious that hunger is part of the crisis, especially as many food banks are now facing a food shortage. Food banks “only have a 10 to 14-day supply on average, and [it’s] not being replenished fast enough,” Hatch said.&nbsp;

With stock diminishing so rapidly, it’s made it harder for vulnerable Canadians, such as the elderly, homeless, and people on social assistance or disability supports, to get access to food.&nbsp;

How Starbucks Canada and The Starbucks Foundation are helping

In response to this growing food crisis, Starbucks Canada and The Starbucks Foundation announced that, combined, they will donate over $1 million in food and financial support to help the complex changing realities of food banks and community outreach organizations. This includes helping them shift their operational needs and providing drivers from Starbucks Canada's&nbsp;foodservice distributor GFS (Gordon Food Service) to deliver food to those most in need.

Two-thirds of the support will come from Starbucks Canada in the way of food donations from its distribution centers to help replenish stock in food banks across the country. Assistance will be spread across Canada, helping among others: Moisson Food Bank in Montreal; Second Harvest in Toronto; Calgary Food Bank and Inn from the Cold in Calgary; and Quest Food Exchange, Surrey Food Bank, and Maple Ridge Food Bank in Vancouver.

Included in the over $1 million, The Starbucks Foundation will contribute financial support by donating $280,000 to <a href="https://foodbankscanada.akaraisin.com/Donation/Event/DonationInfo.aspx?seid=22099&amp;mid=48" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Food Banks Canada’s COVID-19 Response Fund (opens in a new tab)">Food Banks Canada’s COVID-19 Response Fund</a>. This contribution will help provide resources (for example, boxes for pre-packaged food) to local food banks so that they can adapt their operations to comply with physical distancing. It will also allow them to hire more staff to keep up with demand and allow them to replenish their dwindling stock.

Additionally, The Starbucks Foundation will donate $70,000 to Second Harvest. The funds will go towards the organization’s <a href="https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/DonationPage.aspx?eventid=311023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund</a> to support the delivery, redistribution, and logistics of the food donation supply chain during the pandemic.&nbsp;

“We are grateful for the support of Starbucks and The Starbucks Foundation to ensure that people can access the food they need to be healthy,” CEO Nikkel said. “This donation helps keep our trucks on the road... to move the food and coordinate where it’s going.”

And finally, Starbucks Canada is donating $24,000 to its existing social agency partners, <a href="https://www.ysm.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">Yonge Street Mission</a> in Toronto and <a href="https://www.woodshomes.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">Woods Homes </a>in Calgary, to help meet their increased demand to produce meals for the vulnerable youth they serve.

Supporting food banks is just one way Starbucks Canada and The Starbucks Foundation are <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/what-customers-need-to-know-about-starbucks-response-to-covid-19/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">responding to COVID-19</a>. Earlier this month, The Starbucks Foundation <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/what-customers-need-to-know-about-starbucks-response-to-covid-19/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">donated $200,000</a> to support COVID-19 drives with hospital foundations across the country, and to support the United Way Centraide’s COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund to ensure vulnerable Canadians have basic needs during the pandemic. Additionally, since March 26, Starbucks Canada has been <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/starbucks-partners-covid-19-front-line-responders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">offering free coffee to first responders</a> as a way to say thank you for the incredible service they’re providing Canadians.

It’s important that we all do what we can to help each other in this time of need. Starbucks is making it easy for its customers to donate to their local food banks, if they can. Visit the <a href="https://foodbankscanada.akaraisin.com/Starbucks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">Starbucks donation page on Food Banks Canada</a> or find the link on the Starbucks app to donate today. Your contribution will ensure vulnerable Canadians have food now and when the pandemic is over.&nbsp;

About The Starbucks Foundation

The Starbucks Foundation strengthens humanity by transforming lives across the world, with a focus on enabling community resiliency and prosperity and uplifting communities affected by disaster. Established in 1997, The Starbucks Foundation is a Section 501(c)(3) charitable organization under U.S. law. <a href="https://www.starbucks.ca/responsibility%2Fcommunity%2Fstarbucks-foundation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">Learn more at here</a>.

Two-thirds of the support will come from Starbucks Canada in the way of food donations from its distribution centers to help replenish stock in food banks across the country.

Starbucks Canada and The Starbucks Foundation Donate over $1M in Food and Financial Support to Help the Food Crisis

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https://stories.starbucks.ca/en-ca/stories/2020/starbucks-canada-donates-over-1-million-to-help-growing-food-crisis/

As we continue to navigate through the uncertainty of COVID-19, Starbucks is increasing its already expanded support for its partners (employees), customers, and communities. Through this lens of care and support for people, the company has and will continue to make all decisions, rooted in facts and science, in cooperation with local authorities. 

“As we look ahead, your safety and well-being remain our top priority as the situation with COVID-19 continues to evolve,” wrote Lori Digulla, Starbucks Canada president, in a letter to all partners today.

In her letter, Digulla outlined important announcements related to partner, customer, and community care.

As the global health crisis continues, Starbucks announced today that it will extend its temporarily expanded COVID-19 benefit of Catastrophe Pay by an additional two weeks. That means any partner who is sick, unable to work or who feels more comfortable self-isolating or not working can stay home and will be paid for their scheduled shifts until May 3.

Starbucks other COVID-19 benefits — Starbucks Service Pay and CUP Fund — will also be extended until May 3. Partners who are healthy and choose to work will receive an additional $3 per hour with Starbucks Service Pay. Partners experiencing COVID-19 financial burdens can apply for a one-time grant with the company’s emergency financial aid CUP Fund. And all partners always have access to significant free resources through our <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://departments.starbucks.com/sites/canadapartnerfamily/en-us/Pages/Employee-Assistance-Program-(Canada).aspx" target="_blank">Employee Assistance Program</a>, in addition to a free subscription to the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/starbucks-headspace-mental-health/" target="_blank">meditation app Headspace</a>.

While stores across the country continue to support communities at local levels, we are assembling the biggest, most comprehensive donation program in the history of Starbucks Canada to support Canadians across the country in three areas: first responders and front-line workers; access to food; and support for the most vulnerable Canadians.

Today, The Starbucks Foundation announced the first investment in Canada will be a $200,000 donation to support front-line health care workers and vulnerable Canadians, which includes the elderly and homeless.

Of that total donation, $100,000 will be given to COVID-19 fundraising drives set up by hospital foundations in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal. 

This is another way Starbucks is supporting first responders. Last week, the company announced it will give a <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/starbucks-partners-covid-19-front-line-responders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">free tall brewed coffee to front-line responders</a> to the COVID-19 outbreak through May 3. Thus far, we’ve already donated over 50,000 cups!

The other $100,000 from The Starbucks Foundation will go to <a href="http://www.unitedway.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">United Way Centraide</a>’s COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund. The United Way works with a number of agencies to support local communities and to help Canadians already facing barriers (such as poverty, homelessness, or social isolation) get through this challenging time.&nbsp;Starbucks partners have always cared most for Canadians who need a fair shot and who are at risk of being left behind at the best of times, and especially during a crisis, which is why this donation is so meaningful.

The donation will help the United Way accomplish its priorities: to ensure people in self-isolation have basic needs, such as food and supplies; to give support to seniors in isolation; and to ensure mental health services are available to vulnerable Canadians.&nbsp;

“[COVID-19] hasn’t changed the value and work that we’ve done. It’s just amplified and heightened what we’re doing in the community, which is working with the most marginalized populations to support the greatest needs,” said Colin Jenkins, senior manager of corporate donor relations at United Way Greater Toronto.

On a global scale, The Starbucks Foundation will contribute $1 million to the <a href="https://covid19responsefund.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund</a> in support of the World Health Organization (WHO), powered by the United Nations. The fund strengthens WHO’s efforts to track and understand the spread of the virus, help patients get the care they need, and workers get essential supplies and information, and accelerates the development of vaccines, tests, and treatments.&nbsp;

In China, early signs of recovery from COVID-19 are showing. That’s why The Starbucks Foundation will also contribute $1 million to Give2Asia to support a project focused on supporting front-line medical workers and helping protect local communities by strengthening capabilities at the grassroots level. The $1 million donation to Give2Asia will help provide training on coronavirus prevention, diagnosis and treatment to doctors in less developed areas, educate local communities on disease prevention, and offer free counseling to health care workers psychologically impacted by COVID-19.

Starbucks is dedicated to serving our communities in the most impactful way we can. To learn more about how Starbucks is managing through COVID-19, please <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/navigating-through-covid-19/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">visit our blog</a>.

As we continue to navigate through the uncertainty of COVID-19, Starbucks is increasing its already expanded support for its partners (employees), customers, and communities.

Starbucks Extends Its Already Expanded COVID-19 Support for Partners

https://stories.starbucks.ca/en-ca/stories/2020/starbucks-extends-covid-19-support-for-partners/

As this global health crisis has evolved over the past few weeks, we’ve seen Starbucks partners across Canada reach out to hospital and emergency staff, firefighters, police, grocery store workers and countless others with incredible acts of support and kindness – and free coffee!&nbsp;

The vast community efforts of Starbucks store partners inspired the company to broaden its <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/starbucks-canada-to-close-cafes-and-move-to-drive-thru-and-delivery-only/" target="_blank">support to first responders</a>. Starting today through May 3, any customer who identifies as a front-line responder to the COVID-19 outbreak will receive a tall brewed coffee (hot or iced) at no charge.&nbsp;

One of the inspiring stories we heard took place in Toronto’s Cliffside neighbourhood. There, store partners took the initiative to personally fund a Starbucks gift card to give free coffee to first responders.

The idea came about last week after the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/starbucks-canada-to-close-cafes-and-move-to-drive-thru-and-delivery-only/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">closure of cafés</a> caused lengthy drive-thru lines to form. Baristas witnessed multiple first responders — majority of who are regulars — leave the long line without getting their coffee, so the team came together to top up a gift card with $250.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Many of my baristas felt bad and wanted to do something, so we came up with the idea of giving them free coffee without the wait. If we see [a first responder] in line, we ask them to park, get their orders and deliver them to their cars,” store manager Aleena Zafar explained.&nbsp;

“In the last four days we have seen almost twice the amount of first responders. They are so grateful for us just being open. The free coffee is just a bonus.”&nbsp;

During these times of uncertainty, these thoughtful gestures can go a long way, which is why Starbucks is following the lead of our store partners to provide free coffee to all front-line workers.&nbsp;

Starbucks is committed to doing what’s right for its partners, customers, and communities, and has expanded its resources and support accordingly while <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/navigating-through-covid-19/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">navigating through COVID-19</a>. This includes giving all store partners, whether they work or not, 30-day catastrophe pay for scheduled shifts, waiving eligibility requirements for the company’s emergency financial aid CUP Fund, and keeping select stores open to serve first responders and communities with limited food options.

Our partners inspire us every day. Read on to hear more about the incredible acts of kindness our partners have done for first responders thus far.

Jennifer Mccaugherty, a store manager in Kingston, Ont., shares how her team organized a safe drop-off of Starbucks coffee to their local emergency department.

“My wife is an emergency room nurse. She is on mat leave, but has been checking in on the hospital Facebook page. We saw that they had started to shut down the food and beverage vendors in the hospital, so we jumped on it, messaged the hospital, and took orders for that day’s workers!&nbsp;

We got orders for 28 handcrafted beverages and coffees. We [wrote] thank you notes on each cup [with] the health care worker’s name. We had a worker meet us outside to fill up a cart with all the beverages and bring them into the people working.&nbsp;

We want to help make the world a better place, and we have the chance to do that every day with every customer that crosses our paths. The people in our emergency department were delighted by our generosity. They said it helped them get through their 12 to 16 hour shifts.”

&nbsp;Ann-Marie Lee, a Vancouver store manager, shares why her team is proud to serve the Vancouver Police Headquarters during this time.

Coronavirus