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Starbucks commits $10M to help employees

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April 8, 2020

Starbucks has committed $10 million to establish the Starbucks Global Partner Emergency Relief Program as part of its ongoing efforts to support employees around the world impacted by COVID-19, according to a company press release. The commitment marks the first time both company-operated and international licensed market store partners across Starbucks may access hardship grants. These one-time, direct relief grants will be made available to partners facing extreme hardship as a result of COVID-19 and help ensure that partners around the world have access to emergency support during this time.

"As we navigate this global crisis, we never lose sight of the well-being of our partners, who are the heartbeat of this company," Lucy Helm, chief partner officer, said in the release. "During this very difficult time, we believe it is our responsibility to create additional support for partners facing unexpected financial hardship wherever they are."

Support from the Starbucks Global Partner Emergency Relief Program will be made available to retail partners in licensed store markets through the Emergency Assistance Foundation, to partners in company-operated markets through the established Caring Unites Partners Fund and to partners in Europe through the Starbucks EMEA Partner Relief Fund, a fund established for European company-operated markets, including the U.K., Austria, Switzerland, as well as the company's Roastery in Italy and roasting plant in the Netherlands.

The $10 million commitment will support the existing CUP Fund as well as the new Starbucks EMEA Partner Relief Fund and create a pathway for international licensed markets to set up their own funds, with Starbucks contributing an initial investment, a first for the company.

As each community faces unique response and recovery challenges, the new funds will be processed through the Emergency Assistance Foundation and enable licensed store operators in international markets to join Starbucks in providing support for partners in disaster-designated areas, who are immediately eligible to apply for assistance. Qualified categories for fund grants include, but are not limited to, housing and utilities, sudden loss of home, death of a family member or partner, and related funeral expenses.

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