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.

core/paragraph

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

core/heading

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.

core/image

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/9/2020/05/Sbux_1.jpg

core/file

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.

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/9/2020/05/Sbux_4.jpg

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.

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/9/2020/05/Sbux_drive-thru.jpg

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.

core/embed

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

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/9/2020/05/Sbux_6.jpg

Starbucks Canada

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/9/2020/05/Sbux_6-1024x683.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.ca/en-ca/stories/2020/starbucks-canada-prioritizes-safety-as-it-resumes-store-operations/

twitter:card

twitter:description

twitter:image

twitter:title

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.

core/separator

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:

core/list

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

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/9/2020/04/Stbx.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.ca/en-ca/stories/2020/starbucks-canada-expects-to-resume-operations-in-as-many-stores-as-possible-by-the-end-of-may/

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)

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/9/2020/04/SBX20200423-Blog-1MillionCups-Feature.jpg

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

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/9/2020/04/April_16-JOLT-1440x700-Food_Donation_F.jpg

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.

“The hashtag #strongerthancoffee really resonates as my team has taken pride [in being] chosen to stay open to share smiles and spread positivity during this sensitive time. If only for a few minutes we can spread joy, love and recharge our first responders so they can continue the important work they are doing out in the public, it is a win for us.

It’s also about uplifting people and doing our best so that our first responders [and] essential services can show up as their best selves. It means you’re not just making coffee – you’re making a difference.

I cannot say how grateful I am for partners from surrounding stores and districts offering their help so we can do this important work.”

David Wafler-Thomas, a store manager in St. Albert, Alta., shares how his team is spreading positivity in their tight-knit community.

“Three of my baristas asked if it would be OK if they spread some cheer to local grocery outlets, as well as our local hospital by [delivering] coffee travellers. Naturally I was overwhelmed with pride and I strongly encouraged them to do so. Each organization was so appreciative and grateful. We have received multiple phone calls of thanks, as well as some shout-outs on Instagram!

One of my other partners reached out to me and said he wanted to load $100 on his own Starbucks app so he could treat customers just to see them smile. What that did is create a chain reaction of ‘paying it forward.’ A woman from our community picked up on this and created a post on Facebook explaining what [this partner] was doing and encouraged others to stop by and donate to him so he could continue to create amazing best moments for our customers. So far he has had multiple people stop by with no intention of purchasing products, but just to be able to contribute to his ‘pay it forward’ funds.

Currently we are the only Starbucks open in our community so we have become the local hub for many Starbucks lovers. It brings me so much pride and joy to see the power of humanity and community come together to create truly beautiful best moments for all!”

We’ve seen Starbucks partners across Canada reach out to front-line responders and countless others with incredible acts of kindness – and free coffee!

Starbucks Partners Bring Coffee and Comfort to COVID-19 Front-line Responders

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/9/2020/03/First-Responder-1.png

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/9/2020/03/First-Responder-1-1024x640.png

https://stories.starbucks.ca/en-ca/stories/2020/starbucks-partners-covid-19-front-line-responders/

Some exceptions will be made for cafés serving in or around hospitals in our efforts to serve thousands of first responders and health care workers who are on the front line.

Starting today, effective immediately, Starbucks will close access to its cafés and move to drive-thru and delivery only. Some exceptions will be made for those cafés serving in or around hospitals and health care centers in the company’s efforts to serve first responders, health care workers, and their incredible support staff. 

Starbucks Canada president Lori Digulla made the announcement in a letter to all partners today. “Thank you so much for all you’re doing, and above all else know that all our decisions are balancing partner and customer care, with science and facts, to serve our communities in the most impactful way we can as long as it is safe to do so,” she wrote.

Below is Lori Digulla's full letter:

Thank you again for our conversation yesterday. As we discussed, the magnitude of managing through this situation is the single biggest challenge many of us have faced in our lifetime. We are continually reviewing our partner support and operations and making decisions daily to ensure we’re responding to the changes we’re seeing and experiencing across the country. Thank you for your flexibility, your engagement, your on-the-ground insights, as well as the feedback you share. Today, we have some important new information about additional steps we are taking to support you, our customers and our communities. 

Let me be clear: We are now more than ever committed to our Mission and values and the communities we serve. Just as we have for nearly 50 years, Starbucks will always make the courageous decisions, even if they're difficult ones. And today, those decisions are rooted in facts and science, partner care as a priority and the reality of how challenging it is to focus on every partner and our communities (now and throughout this crisis) while navigating this on a store by store, minute by minute, community by community basis across this vast country. 

Closing Cafés and Going to Drive-Thru &amp; Delivery Only

Since the onset of the outbreak, we’ve worked to exceed public health requirements by taking actions in our cafés like expanding sanitizing and cleaning processes, and removing furniture to reduce risk and create the safest environments we can for partners who want to come to work. Importantly, we removed our seating and moved to a take-out, Drive Thru and MOP service only, to support social distancing. Even so, we’ve all recognized over the last week the challenges and complexities of trying to reduce “social gathering” in our cafés even as we removed furniture and reduced our services to grab n go. While we have worked hard to exceed any public health requirements, our cafés in some areas are experiencing high traffic during moments of the day and we need to do more to prevent the spread of this virus. It has also become apparent how time intensive it is for everyone to manage the entire country in this way, causing too much time to be pointed at operational changes and schedule management rather than providing even more partner care in a more holistic way, and leveraging our size and our scale to help our communities and our country in even more impactful ways. Today, we are making the decision to close access to our café’s altogether for two weeks and limiting our services to drive thru and delivery only. Some exceptions will be made for those cafes serving in or around hospitals and health care centers in our efforts to serve first responders, health care workers, and their incredible support team. These changes apply to our company-owned stores, and our licensed partners will make decisions for their properties.

Partners will still be paid for the next month, even if you choose to stay home

We will expand the Catastrophe Pay support we <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/further-extension-of-partner-care-during-covid-19/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="announced just yesterday (opens in a new tab)">announced just yesterday</a>. We want to underscore that any partner serving in our stores that remain open are there because they want to be there to serve their community at this time. If you feel you’re taking a risk by coming to work or fear carrying the virus, please stay home. To guarantee that partners feel completely empowered to make that choice, we are going to pay all partners for their shifts over the next 30 days, whether you choose to work or not.

Supporting First Responders, Health Care Workers, and the Communities We Serve

We don’t believe lattes are “essential.” But in times of crisis, the government asks convenient food and beverage outlets to remain open when possible for pick up, drive-thru, or delivery. Cafes, gas stations, and other take out and convenience stores are part of a support system that offsets the pressure that is already high on grocery stores. This is especially important to serve thousands of first responders and health care workers who are on the front line, which is why our stores in or around hospitals, or communities with limited food options, will remain open with partners who are explicitly choosing to continue to serve. 

We will continue to work very closely with local, provincial, and the federal government to continually assess how best to stay open, stay safe and be a part of the solution during this time. 

I appreciate all of your incredible commitment to each other and your desire to serve our communities, to create best moments and desperately needed points of connection. We are just evolving our approach to do it in a different way.

Thank you so much for all you’re doing, and above all else know that all our decisions are balancing partner and customer care, with science and facts, to serve our communities in the most impactful way we can as long as it is safe to do so. 

This is a crisis that is moving quickly, and we need to stay ahead of it and do our part, recognizing this is often confusing, frustrating and dynamic. As anticipated, this change may come as a surprise or seem sudden given our recent conversation. I am sorry for that as we have done our very best to avoid this from happening. I hope that you understand. I deeply appreciate your patience and flexibility, and please keep sharing your thoughts and experiences because YOUR feedback informs our decisions.

In a letter to all partners today, Starbucks Canada president Lori Digulla announced Starbucks will close access to its cafes and move to drive-thru and delivery only.

Starbucks Canada To Close Cafes and Move to Drive-Thru and Delivery Only

Starbucks Canada To Close Cafés and Move to Drive-Thru and Delivery Only

https://stories.starbucks.ca/en-ca/stories/2020/starbucks-canada-to-close-cafes-and-move-to-drive-thru-and-delivery-only/

The company’s catastrophe pay now includes those who feel unsafe coming to work and those who need to stay home to care for children.

As Canada mobilizes to limit the spread of COVID-19 and things continue to change daily, Starbucks remains committed to prioritizing partner (employee) and customer care.

Today, in a letter to all partners from Starbucks Canada president, Lori Digulla, announced two measures to expand on the partner care resources and support that were <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/comprehensive-partner-care-during-covid-19/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">introduced last week</a>.

The first is to extend the 14-day catastrophe pay for scheduled shifts, to now include partners who are worried about or are feeling unsafe coming to work, as well as partners who need to stay home to care for children.

“I want to reinforce that none of us should have to choose between taking care of ourselves and coming to work,” Digulla wrote. “We will continue to keep your safety and care at the heart of every single decision we make – and we’re making them daily in these unprecedented times.”&nbsp;

In addition to expanded catastrophe pay, Starbucks also announced that it will temporarily waive eligibility requirements and documentation for the company’s emergency financial aid CUP Fund. Partners who have been impacted by COVID-19 can request a one-time grant to support a personal financial hardship. The payment will then be expedited within three days. 

“Our teams continue to push for additional ways to support you and our customers,” Digulla wrote today. “We’re doing the very best we can to honour our mission and values while keeping you safe and secure.” 

Safety Measures Implemented in Stores

Based on public health official guidance, the company has implemented social distancing operating models and expanded sanitizing and cleaning processes to ensure stores remain safe spaces for partners who want to come to work, and they continue to make daily decisions.

COVID-19

Starbucks Canada Prioritizes Safety as it Resumes Store Operations

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

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

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

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

Starbucks Extends Its Already Expanded COVID-19 Support for Partners

Starbucks Partners Bring Coffee and Comfort to COVID-19 Front-line Responders

Starbucks Canada To Close Cafés and Move to Drive-Thru and Delivery Only

Starbucks Canada Extends Partner (Employee) Care Resources and Support amid COVID-19

Caring for Our Partners and Customers during COVID-19

Navigating through COVID-19

Letter to Customers: Our Role And Responsibility in Navigating Through COVID-19