4 Reasons I'm Proud to be a Partner at Starbucks This Holiday Season

My Response to the Red Cup Ridiculousness

Normally we do not share things such as this on our blog. But, today we make an exception.

The past two months I have been fortunate enough to become a partner at Starbucks. Here are 4 Reasons I am proud of that.

Starbuck Supports Farmers

"Starbucks invests in programs designed to strengthen economic and social development in local communities, while also caring for the environment. To extend the reach and impact of our programs, we collaborate with nongovernmental organizations that have experience and expertise in working with farming communities."

One of the programs Starbucks is currently participating in is called One Tree for Every Bag. When you buy a bag of coffee at Starbucks, one tree will be planted to farmers in need.

All of my regular readers know that this one is close to my heart. Ethical farming practices are so important to the quality of the food we put into our bodies. Starbucks recognizes that. They are involved in multiple programs to provide support and assistance to the farmers and their communities. Doesn't it feel good when you go to the farmers market and buy a fresh veggie from a farmer? You know that you just helped support his farm and his family. You can feel that way when you walk out of a Starbucks store too. You are helping to suppor the livelihood and communities of the farmers.

Veterans and Military Support

Starbucks has pledged to honor the men and women in the armed forces and their families by hiring 10,000 veterans or veteran spouses by 2018. We have already surpassed the halfway mark just two years after beginning this with over 5,000 veterans or spouses becoming partners!

For every veterans starbucks gift card purchased from now until November 11, 2015, Starbucks will donate $5 to the USO to support servicemembers and their families as they transition to civilian life.

You can send an active armed forces member a gift of coffee! Starbucks is sending a matching donation to the USO for every box of Starbucks VIA® Instant you purchase now through Veterans Day.

Partner Healthcare

Employees working 20 hours a week (part-time) or more are eligible for health insurance benefits.

I have been without healthcare for over 3 years now. I worked in the professional world, where I was required to wear fancy clothes, sit at computers and have a superfluous title. Now I have the privelege of putting on my green apron, working with amazing people, and making a difference in the lives of our customers. I never thought a service industry job would provide me with the healthcare I have so desperately needed. I was so wrong.

Adoption Assistance

If there is one thing I have learned while being a parter at Starbucks it is the value of family. Not only do employess treat each other with love and compassion, but we become family with the people that walk through our doors. When I first started at my store, I noticed that every customer who came in knew my manager's name. They were all so excited to see her! She asked them questions about their family, their health, their jobs. I instantly knew I wanted to be part of this.

In the nature of the family mindset, Starbucks helps families with the adoption process. They provide up to $12,000 in assitance to the families. That is a true display of love and compassion.

There are my 4 reasons that I am proud to be a partner at Starbucks this holiday season. I hope you will stop in for a red cup of coffee and support veterans, families, and farmers!