Popular coffee chain Starbucks Philippines continued to make a positive impact in the community during the Global Month of Good by giving back. Here’s what they did. 

According to a study by Nielsen Global Survey of Corporate Social Responsibility in 2015, the buying behavior of Filipinos goes beyond just the product, as factors like broader values, company behavior, and ethics also play a big part in the decision-making process. And since coffee is a staple beverage in the Philippines—given that about 93% of Filipino households buy some coffee every week—undoubtedly, the values of the coffee shop matter, too.

With countless Filipinos getting their favorite coffee from Starbucks Philippines, which has over 400 branches across the country, the shop has started a tradition every April—known as the Global Month of Good—in order to give back to the community. 

Although this tradition started way back in 2011, it has been ongoing ever since. Every April, Starbucks, and all its employees exert special efforts that will make a positive impact on the planet and on the lives of their fellow Filipinos.

Just last April 2023, Starbucks Philippines continued with this initiative. Here’s what they did:

Strengthened Their Partnership with Gawad Kalinga

In an attempt to fight hunger, Starbucks Philippines continued its partnership with the poverty alleviation and nation-building organization Gawad Kalinga—specifically with their Kusina ng Kalinga wing. Through this partnership, the coffee chain provided nutritious meals to children for 120 days with several volunteers also preparing meals for over 350 children from Catmon, Cebu. 

Moreover, the Starbucks Foundation awarded Gawad Kalinga with the new Global Community Impact Grant. With this funding, the foundation can provide additional meals for 1,200 more children while hosting family health and nutrition education workshops. This will also enable them to train 30 community food farmers who can build vegetable gardens in the Visayas area.

Expanded Starbucks FoodShare 

In partnership with Grab and the Philippine FoodBank Foundation, the Starbucks FoodShare project expanded to 14 additional stores in Cebu. Since this project was launched in March 2022, Grab drivers were able to pick up rescuable food from the stores and deliver it to the Philippine FoodBank Foundation. In turn, the foundation distributes these donations to communities that need food assistance. 

Chosen beneficiaries in Cebu include the Balay Samaritano sa Sugbo Shelter, Don Bosco Provincial House, and Our Lady of Lourdes Feeding Center.

Rolled Out The “Fill It Forward” Starbucks Venti Van 

This year also saw the return of the “Fill it Forward” Starbucks Venti Van, which stopped at Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa. This initiative was related to the FoodShare project, as it encouraged customers to buy a cookie for PHP 50. All collections were donated to the beneficiaries of the Philippine FoodBank Foundation. 

Built an AquaTower in San Antonio, Quezon

Starbucks Philippines also teamed up with the non-profit organization Planet Water Foundation—an organization that focuses on alleviating the global water crisis. Together, the two of them successfully built the fourth AquaTower at San Antonio Central School in San Antonio, Quezon. 

This project and the previous AquaTowers have already helped 1,800 community residents, who were provided with accessible and safe drinking water. This project also held seminars to engage local students with hygiene education activities. 

Rewarded Customers for Using Reusables 

Customers were also highly encouraged to use their own tumblers through the “Bring Your Own Reusable Cup” program. Those who will bring their own reusable cups received  PHP 10 from their orders. On top of that, Starbucks Rewards Members also received additional 5 Bonus Stars per order. 

These are just some of the most remarkable projects that Starbucks has done last April. As it works as an ongoing tradition for them, loyal coffee drinkers of the brands will find it more satisfying to buy coffee—knowing that this successful brand pays kindness back to local communities.