Does Starbucks Have Free Coffee for Veterans?
Veterans and active duty servicemembers have made tremendous sacrifices for our country. But does Starbucks offer free coffee to honor such service? Let’s find out.
When talking about Starbucks, it usually invokes images of warm, delicious, and aromatic cups of coffee. It has also been seen as way of showing gratitude to US veterans and military members that put their lives on the line. There is a common perception that Starbucks offers free or discounted coffee to veterans and its this belief that has made its way into mainstream culture.
Unfortunately, the company does not currently offer free coffee for veterans and military personnel. In the past, Starbucks did run a campaign offering free drip coffee for veterans, military members, and their spouses on Veterans Day, but it is not known if this promotion will come back in the future.
In lieu of a free cup of coffee, Starbucks does offer discounts to veterans, active duty military members, and their spouses. They can enjoy up to 15% off selected products in the online store or in-person or online orders, including ground and whole bean coffee. Discounts also apply to select premium beverages and food, as well as featured merchandise in the online store or select partner stores.
They also give discounts to veterans and military members through their special Reserve Roast program which is exclusive to US veterans and military. This program was started in 2019 to offer extra specially sourced and roasted coffees in limited-edition roasts to those who have served our country.
Starbucks has also made efforts to employ veterans in their stores, with a reported 30,000 veterans and military spouses employed in their stores and corporate offices as of 2019. They also provide military members with free job- and skill-specific training via their Armed Forces Network.
Overall, it is clear that Starbucks values military support, as evidenced by their commitment to employ veterans and military personnel, as well as their discounts and other initiatives. While they do not currently offer any free coffee to honor their service, they have made efforts to show their appreciation in other ways.
What Do Veterans Have to Say?
Many veterans and military personnel have welcomed Starbucks’ current initiatives to show appreciation for their service. Some veterans have even cited the Starbucks discount as being helpful when it comes to affording quality coffee.
Others, however, have expressed disappointment in the lack of a free cup of coffee offered to veterans. They feel that a free cup to show appreciation or recognition of their service would be a nice gesture on the part of Starbucks.
Despite the criticism from some veterans, the company is still making strides to show its support for the military community. Starbucks has also taken steps to improve the customer experience for veterans, such as promoting the Veterans Support Line for veterans and military personnel.
Alternatives to Starbucks Coffee for Veterans
While Starbucks does not currently offer free coffee for veterans, there are many alternatives available for veterans who are looking for free cups of coffee. For example, some restaurants offer free coffee to veterans on certain days of the year, such as Veterans Day in the US. Others may offer a discount or complimentary gift such as a free doughnut or sandwich.
Local independent coffee shops and roasters may also offer discounts or even complimentary drinks to veterans or active-duty military members. Some businesses may also partner with charities to provide assistance to veterans or active-duty military members, such as offering free coffee or discounts on purchases.
Supporting Veterans Through Other Businesses
Starbucks isn’t the only business that is showing its support for the military community. Many other companies are dedicating resources to show appreciation for those who have served our country.
Google, for example, has created a Veterans and Military Community to help those transitioning from military to civilian life. They offer resources such as access to job placement services, resume building and more. Amazon also has a program that provides veterans with free and discounted products, plus discounts on Amazon Prime membership.
Nike also offers veterans discounts on select apparel and footwear. Apple provides discounts on products such as iPads and Apple Watches, as well as free access to exclusive online courses tailored to veterans.
Many other businesses also participate in the ‘Hire a Veteran’ program, where they pledge to help veterans find employment.
Wrapping Up
Based on our research, it’s clear that Starbucks does not offer free coffee to veterans and military personnel. However, they do provide discounts on several products and services, as well as initiatives such as Veteran Support Line and the Armed Forces Network. Additionally, they’ve taken strides to employ veterans in their stores and corporate offices.
There are also other options for veterans to take advantage of when it comes to free coffee, such as restaurants who offer free coffee on certain days, and independent coffee shops who may offer discounts or free drinks to veterans. Furthermore, many other companies are showing their support for veterans through initiatives, discounts and job placement services.
Though Starbucks does not currently offer free coffee to veterans, it is clear that they still show their appreciation and recognize the great service that veterans have provided to our country.
