Perspective 3

Starbucks is now donating unsold food in Chicago.

Ever wonder what happens to all those mini scones, sandwiches, and cookies at the end of the day at the Starbucks?

Until recently, the answer would have been "they got tossed away", but thanks to the partnership between Starbucks and Greater Chicago Food Depository, it changed.

There`s over 200 Starbucks locations in Chicago. But first they`re starting at 118 and planning to scale it to all stores. That means something like 2000-30000 pounds of fresh food a day being distributed directly to shelters.

But this isn`t an east feat. If we pick up food and taking it directly to partner agencies, they have to be sure it`s time and temperature controlled.

In addition to providing leftovers, perfectly delicious food to their three partner shelters, because much of the food is packaged by Starbucks already, it allowed recipients to take meals with them to eat outside of the shelter.

So, The Food Depository has added extra vans, drivers and hours of work.


Anthony Todd in Food on May 18, 2017 10:24 am. (n.d.). Starbucks Is Now Donating Unsold Food To The Greater Chicago Food Depository. Retrieved June 28, 2017, from http://chicagoist.com/2017/05/18/starbucks_has_begun_donating_all_wa.php