The Impact of Starbucks' "Get Together" Initiative

At Starbucks, they think that connecting over coffee may lead to positive things. One cup at a time, their new "Get Together" campaign seeks to ignite important dialogues that lead to constructive acts. This campaign, which is being launched throughout Asia Pacific, encourages consumers to get involved in three main areas: people, community, and environment, encouraging both significant and little changes.

Through the Community Store initiatives and the expansion of Starbucks FoodShare, Starbucks will prioritize youth education in the Philippines. Noey Lopez, president of Starbucks Philippines, talks about the company's community service initiatives and the importance of teamwork.

What does connection mean to Starbucks? 

Our aim at Starbucks Philippines is around connection. Our goal is to establish a friendly environment where everyone is treated with respect. Our "Get Together" campaign emphasizes how strong these bonds are by motivating people to get together for worthwhile causes. Our goal is to create a culture of change and support by transforming ordinary situations into chances for constructive action.

How have Community Stores made a tangible difference in the lives of young individuals?

We have collaborated with organizations such as AHA since we opened our first Community Store in Abad Santo Tondo in September 2023 and our second in Maysilo Circle a year later! Young Focus, Learning Center and the Philippines' Mano Amiga to support youth education. Through learning initiatives and scholarships, we have so far had a beneficial impact on over 300 students, using some of the proceeds from our Community Store sales provide funds for these projects.

How does the FoodShare program support communities? 

Through our partnership with Grab Philippines and The Philippines FoodBank Foundation, we have contributed around 2 million salvable meals from more than 260 locations across the country since our inception in 2022. This partnership not only gives people in need access to vital nutrients, but it also cuts down on food waste by keeping extra food out of landfills. 

What initiatives reflect Starbucks customer and partner (employee) involvement?

We encourage clients to embrace sustainability by utilizing for-here ware or their own tumblers to receive a PHP10 discount on their beverage.

 

 Meanwhile, through employee volunteerism and a long-term cooperation with HOPE, we have been able to build classrooms in underprivileged communities, with our fifth classroom just completed in Bulacan. In addition, our work with the Planet Water Foundation resulted in seven AquaTowers, the most recent of which is located in Quezon. These AquaTowers provide clean water access to an estimated 12,000 people. In collaboration with The Starbucks Foundation, we also placed an AquaBlock to provide emergency water access during the aftermath of Tropical Storm Kristine at Camarines Sur. 

What can we look forward to?

 

We are building on the success of the "Get Together" campaign by commemorating International Women's Month and the Global Month of Good in March and April. This will feature a number of partners
(Employee) volunteer events featuring discussions with groundbreaking female artists to motivate our youth beneficiaries. By establishing a ripple effect of shared purpose, we will also highlight our partner.
organizations and motivated individuals that band together for good through an engaging social media campaign aimed to spark a chain reaction of appreciation and positivity.