Starbucks Canada is giving more than $500,000 in funding to help charities and non-profit groups working to fight hunger across the country. Starbucks Coffee Canada
Starbucks Canada has launched a new initiative to strengthen its food donation network. The company announced over $500,000 in grants for 87 local charities and food rescue organizations across the country. The program, called Starbucks Capacity Grants, is a partnership with Second Harvest, Canada’s largest food rescue organization.
The funding aims to expand the Starbucks FoodShare program, which connects local coffeehouses with nearby community organizations to donate unsold food. This makes it one of the country’s most far-reaching corporate food rescue efforts.
Building Stronger Communities Through Food Sharing
The grants will help charities improve their infrastructure, strengthen services, and increase food distribution. Starbucks and Second Harvest want to ensure that surplus meals reach people who need them most instead of ending up in landfills.
Since launching in 2019, the FoodShare program has already made a major impact. It has rescued 5.8 million meals, prevented 21.7 million kilograms of greenhouse gases, and donated food worth about $25.3 million. By repurposing ready-to-eat food, the program reduces waste while supporting Canadians struggling with food insecurity.
“We’re proud to strengthen our partnership with Second Harvest,” said Lori Digulla, senior vice president and general manager of Starbucks Canada. “Together, we’re reducing food waste and helping more Canadians access nourishing meals.”
Rising Need for Food Support
The timing of this initiative is critical. Food insecurity continues to rise across Canada, especially among children. Reports show that one in three children lives in a household where access to healthy food is uncertain.
Through FoodShare, Starbucks connects its coffeehouses with local agencies that collect surplus food daily. These groups then distribute it to families, shelters, and community centres. The process creates a direct path from store shelves to those in need — a simple but powerful solution to hunger.
Second Harvest Praises Starbucks’ Commitment
Lori Nikkel, CEO of Second Harvest, praised the initiative. “Starbucks Canada is making a powerful difference by supporting non-profit organizations that feed people and strengthen communities,” she said. “The Starbucks Capacity Grants program shows how corporate partners can truly help reduce hunger.”
She added that the grants will boost the financial strength of community organizations that play a vital role in improving health and wellbeing across the country.
A Lasting Impact
The new grants are already helping local organizations expand their reach and operations. By investing over half a million dollars, Starbucks is building stronger, more resilient communities. The initiative also aligns with the company’s ongoing promise to reduce food waste and ensure good food reaches those who need it.
With this nationwide effort, Starbucks and Second Harvest are proving that collaboration between corporations and charities can make a real difference in tackling food insecurity and protecting the environment.
