Starbucks Canada has announced the launch of the Starbucks Capacity Grants, a new national initiative in partnership with Second Harvest aimed at strengthening local hunger relief efforts. More than $500,000 in funding has been distributed to 87 local charities and food rescue agencies across Canada.
The grants will support the expansion of the Starbucks FoodShare program, one of the largest corporate food rescue programs in the country. According to the company, the initiative is designed to enhance infrastructure, strengthen services and increase the capacity of community agencies to rescue and distribute food.
“At Starbucks Canada, we are deeply committed to supporting the communities we serve,” said Lori Digulla, senior vice-president and general manager of Starbucks Canada. “Through the Starbucks Capacity Grants, we’re proud to strengthen our partnership with Second Harvest and expand the reach of our FoodShare program with coffeehouses across the country. Together, we are making a meaningful impact by reducing food waste and helping to ensure more Canadians have access to nourishing meals.”
Since its inception in 2019, the Starbucks FoodShare program has donated food with an estimated value of $25.3 million, rescued 5.8 million meals and diverted 21.7 million kilograms of greenhouse gases by repurposing unsold, ready-to-eat food to local communities.
Second Harvest, the country’s largest food rescue organization, facilitates the FoodShare program by connecting Starbucks locations with local food rescue agencies. These partnerships help ensure that surplus food is redirected to people facing food insecurity.
“Starbucks Canada is making a powerful difference by providing critical support to the non-profit organizations that work tirelessly to feed people and strengthen communities,” said Lori Nikkel, CEO of Second Harvest. “Their leadership in launching the Starbucks Capacity Grants program is a shining example of how corporate partners can help move the needle on hunger in meaningful ways.”
Nikkel added, “With these grants, Starbucks is investing in the financial resilience of local agencies that are essential to the health and wellbeing of people and communities across Canada. We’re deeply grateful for their commitment and inspired by the impact we can achieve together.”
The grants target non-profits and charities tied to Starbucks’ company-operated stores, reflecting a broader strategy to integrate corporate resources into community-led efforts to address hunger and food waste.
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