When you make a purchase at Starbucks, you have maybe heard about “Suspended Coffee”, and wondered what it is. This method of buying an extra beverage for someone less fortunate has been a growing trend within the company. In this article, we will look into what Suspended Coffee is and discuss whether or not Starbucks does Suspended Coffee programs.
Suspended Coffee is an act of paying for a stranger’s coffee or tea, when you go to drink your own. Starbucks has adopted this social movement by encouraging its customers to pay for extra drinks, in order to provide free coffees to those who may need assistance. Customers can donate by mentioning “suspended coffee” to the barista, or can pay ahead of time, in order to ensure that someone benefits from their donation.
This pay-it-forward system has risen in popularity since 2009, as customers around the world have seen the positive impact it has on those in need. It has become a form of charity for the coffee industry, providing a simple yet meaningful way for customers to show support for those less fortunate. And with Starbucks’ commitment to the local community and its partners, it’s no surprise that Suspended Coffee programs have taken off in many locations.
Though Starbucks has no official “Suspended Coffee” program, many locations have adopted the pay-it-forward method of providing free drinks to people in need. According to a report from Starbucks, in 2017 alone, it donated over 2.6 million beverages to nonprofits, charities and other organizations. On top of providing free coffees to those in need, Starbucks also supports local charities with donations and volunteering initiatives.
Starbucks Donation Efforts
Apart from its Suspended Coffee initiatives, Starbucks has also created donation programs such as “Caring Unites Partners” and “The Starbucks Foundation”. Through these programs, the company is committed to helping communities, focusing on the areas of education, environmental stewardship, economic opportunity and health and wellness. According to the company’s website, since 1997 it has given away over 1.9 billion dollars in support, and hundreds of millions of hours of community service.
In 2017, Starbucks launched the “Starbucks Reusable Cup Program” to help reduce the amount of single-use cups that end up in landfills. Customers who bring their own reusable cup to Starbucks will receive a 10 cent discount, as an incentive to cut their own footprint. This is an example of how the company is striving to be more eco-friendly and reduce their environmental impact.
Overall, Starbucks is committed to giving back to the community, whether it’s through donations, volunteering initiatives or simply providing free drinks to those in need. Though it does not officially have a Suspended Coffee program in every location, it certainly supports the idea on a larger scale, and has demonstrated its dedication to charitable efforts.
Suspended Coffee Around the World
Outside of Starbucks, several independent coffee shops have adopted Suspended Coffee programs over the years. These programs not only benefit those in need, but also build a sense of community and encourage people to support one another. This grassroots movement has been successful in places such as Canada, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States.
In Canada, the main objective of this social initiative is to provide assistance to homeless individuals, by generating a random act of kindness. As more businesses have started offering Suspended Coffee, it has become easier for individuals to donate and pay-it-forward. When communities join together to support those in need, it shows how the simple act of kindness can make a huge difference.
Italy is one of the main places responsible for the Suspended Coffee movement. It was first started in 2011, when café owner Francesco Racanelli began offering suspended coffee at his bar, as a way to give back to the community. The non-profit organization CheBello was set up to help spread the movement countrywide, and it has since become a symbol of kindness and generosity for locals.
Spain is another country where pay-it-forward programs have flourished. The initiative was started in Barcelona in 2013, and has since become popular among other cities such as Madrid and Valencia. Apart from benefiting those in need, these programs have also had positive effects on local businesses. Since customers are more likely to visit a shop that offers Suspended Coffee, the initiative has allowed local shops to increase their exposure.
Larger Impact of Suspended Coffee
The Suspended Coffee movement has had a lasting impact on many areas of society. Not only is it helping people who are struggling to make ends meet, but it also encourages people to give back and contribute to their community.
The initiatives have also had a positive effect on businesses, as customers are more likely to frequent shops that offer Suspended Coffee programs. And apart from the customers, the employees at these businesses have also been able to experience the positive impact of these initiatives. As the employees at these businesses are the ones who deliver the drinks, they are able to witness firsthand how their donations are making a difference.
When one individual donates, they can never directly see how it affects the person they are donating to. However, through Suspended Coffee initiatives, customers are able to directly see how much of an impact they are making in their community. This has created a sense of unity among customers, and a commitment to helping those in need.
Closing the Gap Between Coffee Drinker and Consumer
One of the most important benefits of Suspended Coffee programs is the fact that it closes the gap between the coffee drinker and the consumer. The movement brings the coffee industry together, allowing coffee drinkers to connect with those in need, and appreciate the impact these initiatives have on the community.
Apart from encouraging customers to give back, it also allows them to develop an appreciation for the broader social impact of coffee drinking. If more people are aware of ways that they can help those in need, it will inspire a ripple effect that extends beyond just donating money or food.
In the long run, Suspended Coffee initiatives can help create a more sustainable and connected world, one cup of coffee at a time. Though the impact of these initiatives may not be immediate, they are certainly leaving a lasting impression on the community and setting a precedent for future initiatives.
Increasing Popularity of Suspended Coffee Programs
Overall, the impact of Suspended Coffee initiatives has been incredibly positive. As more locations adopt this grassroots movement, the number of people affected is only increasing, and the effects are being felt on a much larger scale.
Since it’s inception, the Suspended Coffee movement has gained immense popularity, due to its simple and effective approach. Its growing popularity is encouraging more businesses to join the cause, and it is now becoming more common for companies to offer Suspended Coffee programs in their locations.
Apart from Starbucks, other companies like Dunkin’, Peet’s Coffee, and Costa Coffee are all taking part in Suspended Coffee initiatives. As more companies get involved, they are bringing greater awareness to the cause, and helping to make these initiatives more accessible to those in need.
Though the Suspended Coffee movement is relatively new, it is certainly making an impact in the lives of many people. From reducing environmental waste and feeding the homeless, to inspiring kindness and empowering communities, these initiatives are pushing the coffee industry to become more socially conscious and do their part in making the world a better place.
