Starbucks Is Giving Free Coffee to First Responders and Healthcare Workers Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

Photo credit: Joshua Trujillo
Photo credit: Joshua Trujillo

From Prevention

Starbucks announced this week that it would be offering a free coffee to those who are on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Any customer who identifies as a “first responder or frontline worker supporting our healthcare system” will receive a free tall brewed coffee, according to a statement. The coffee can be hot or iced.

The chain clarified that this new policy includes police officers, firefighters, paramedics, doctors, nurses, hospital and medical staff, and medical researchers. This promotion will last until May 3.

Starbucks also announced that the Starbucks Foundation will be donating $500,000 to foundations that benefit U.S. frontline responders, with half of it going to Operation Gratitude, which will support the delivery of 50,000 care packages to healthcare workers, and half of it going to Direct Relief, which will “support the delivery of personal protective equipment and essential medical items.”

In case you’ve missed it, Starbucks has transitioned to a drive-thru only model for the next few weeks in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak and in an attempt to keep customers and team members safer via physical distancing. Some cafes that are inside or near hospitals or other healthcare centers will remain open.

In addition, Starbucks will now be paying all employees 30 days of catastrophe pay, whether they choose to come to work or not. For the latest updates on Starbucks efforts and policies amid the outbreak, you can visit their website here.

You Might Also Like