Starbucks commits US$10million to support employees globally

Starbucks announced a commitment of US$10 million to establish the Starbucks Global Partner Emergency Relief Program to support employees around the world impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This marks the first time both company-operated and international licensed market store partners across Starbucks may access the company’s hardship grants.

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These one-time, direct relief grants will be made available to employees facing financial hardships as a result of COVID-19 and help ensure they have access to emergency support during this difficult time.

In company-operated markets such as China and Japan, these grants are available to partners through the existing Caring Unites Partners (CUP) Fund. While in the rest of Asia where Starbucks operates with local licensed businesses, these grants are available to partners through the Emergency Assistance Foundation.

Eligible categories for the 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. Requests for support will be processed through the Emergency Assistance Foundation in collaboration with the local licensed business operator to ensure partners receive the emergency funds they need as quickly as possible.

“As we navigate this global crisis, we never lose sight of the wellbeing of our partners, who are the heartbeat of this company,” said Lucy Helm, Chief Partner Officer, Starbucks Coffee Company.

“During this very difficult time, we believe it is our responsibility to create additional support for partners facing unexpected financial hardship wherever they are. We are proud to be a catalyst for a first-of-its-kind global funding initiative to further demonstrate to our Starbucks partners that we are in this together,” she added.