The Starbucks logo shines brightly outside a branch in Dublin, Ireland, as the company rolls out its new initiative.
Starbucks is stepping up with its innovative FoodShare program, aiming to provide meals for those in need while simultaneously reducing food waste. Have you ever considered what happens to the fresh food that doesn’t sell at stores? Unfortunately, much of it ends up as waste. In fact, while 15 million children in the U.S. face hunger daily, a staggering 40% of our food goes to waste.
According to a recent press release, Starbucks has dedicated resources to research and develop a safe method for donating fresh food. “In its first year, Starbucks® FoodShare is expected to deliver nearly 5 million meals to individuals and families needing nutritious options. The plan is to expand this initiative over the next five years, ultimately aiming to rescue 100% of the food eligible for donation from participating U.S. stores,” the statement read. This could lead to an impressive 50 million meals provided by 2021.
Did you know that one-third of the global food supply is wasted? The world produces enough food to eliminate hunger, yet we find ourselves filling landfills instead of feeding those in need. Companies like Starbucks have the potential to create significant impact by not only addressing hunger but also reducing their carbon footprint. Just imagine the amount of perfectly good food that gets discarded!
Feeding America estimates that around 70 billion pounds of food waste is generated in the United States annually. “Our hope is that by taking this initiative, other businesses will recognize the opportunity for involvement, and together we can make substantial progress in the fight against hunger,” said Tom Richards, President of Starbucks U.S. and Americas. “FoodShare will not only make our partners proud but will also help us embody our core values.”
Interestingly, last year France enacted a law prohibiting supermarkets from destroying unsold food, requiring them to donate what would otherwise end up in the trash. With so many people suffering from hunger in the U.S., this kind of legislation seems not only necessary but also brilliant. The approach is simple: edible food that can’t be sold is donated to charities, while food that is unsafe for consumption is repurposed as animal feed or compost. Remarkably, Starbucks has taken the initiative without waiting for legal mandates.
“This food will change lives, whether it means a child goes to bed without hunger or a family enjoys a meal they couldn’t otherwise afford,” said Sarah Johnson, a Starbucks store manager. “Rescuing food from waste will indeed transform lives.”
Consider this fact: “We produce enough food to provide every person on Earth with 2,700 calories per day. Yet, 842 million individuals still go to bed hungry.” Hats off to Starbucks for leading the effort to make a meaningful change in how companies approach food waste.
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In summary, Starbucks’ FoodShare program is a commendable step toward addressing both hunger and food waste. By committing to donating all unused food, they set an example for other companies and demonstrate the power of corporate responsibility in creating a positive social impact.
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