Starbucks commitment to those who serve and their families
As a people-first company, Starbucks is committed to enhancing the lives of all who touch the business and contributing positively to every community.
Since 2013, Starbucks has hired more than 40,000 Veterans and military spouses. In July 2023, Starbucks announced its strengthened support of the military community through new relocation services, community building efforts and mental health support. Starbucks investment in the military community – and every community we serve – is grounded in our belief that we’re at our best when we uplift one another with dignity, respect and kindness.
“We are proud to partner with Starbucks this Veterans Day to honor our nation’s heroes and ensure they’re connected with each other and their communities. Supporters like Starbucks help us keep the promise to always be there for those who bravely served, including their families and caregivers. Our free programs and services in mental and brain health, career counseling, benefits, physical health and wellness, advocacy and long-term rehabilitative care are changing and saving lives every day, thanks to partners like Starbucks, and generous supporters across the country.”
Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Walt Piatt, CEO of Wounded Warrior Project
By The Numbers
Starbucks Military Family Stores
Starbucks Military Family Stores (MFS) serve as central gathering places for active military personnel, Veterans, their families and surrounding communities. Located on and near major military bases, these stores provide connections and support for military families by advancing Veteran causes, bridging the civilian-military divide and partnering with Veterans Service Organizations.
As part of our strengthened commitment, Starbucks aspires to expand its MFS footprint to 250 stores by 2025. On October 24, 2024, Starbucks proudly announced the expansion of its Military Family Store model to nearly 100 licensed on-base Starbucks locations.
Military Service Pay provides eligible U.S. Starbucks partners (employees) with 80 hours of pay each year when National Guard or Reserve service obligations take them away from their work.
Neighborhood Grants are awarded by The Starbucks Foundation, based on nominations from Starbucks partners. The grants support local nonprofits serving Veterans and military communities.
“As an Armed Forced Network (Starbucks employee resource group) member for six years, I’ve been granted the privilege and opportunity to share time with some of our country’s heroes. I learned and recognized how our Armed Forces members count on us, through care packages and notes while they serve or in partnership with organizations such as Wounded Warrior Project, that help improve Veterans’ way of living when they return. Our partnership with WWP has created space to live out this responsibility and in so many instances support Veterans with services they need.”
JASON L., STARBUCKS DISTRICT MANAGER
Our partnerships
Starbucks is proud of our support for Veteran Service Organizations that foster connection and improve well-being within military communities and provide Veterans with a renewed purpose through continued service opportunities. Learn more about our partnerships.
Blue Star Families
Our longstanding partnership with Blue Star Families focuses on connecting military families with their neighbors and providing resources so they can thrive within their communities. Throughout our partnership, Starbucks has impacted over 26,000 military families through hundreds of military-spouse coffee connects and programs designed to impact key military family issues such as isolation and food insecurity.
Elizabeth Dole Foundation
Starbucks partners with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation to help advocate for the needs of military caregivers through awareness and resource development. This partnership aims to increase visibility for the challenges faced by military caregivers – promoting programs that provide respite, education and community support to help them navigate their unique experiences.
Operation Gratitude
With a focus on bridging the military-civilian divide, our partnership engages Starbucks partners and customers in opportunities to show gratitude for those who’ve served. Starbucks has impacted over 625,000 individuals through letter writing campaigns, care package assemblies and in-kind donations in partnership with Operation Gratitude.
The Mission Continues
Alongside The Mission Continues, our partnership focuses on developing Veterans within their communities through leadership and skill-building opportunities. Through the partnership, Starbucks has helped deploy over 16,000 Veterans to transform communities who need it most.
Travis Manion Foundation
Through community service and leadership development, our partnership with the Travis Manion Foundation focuses on empowering Veterans and families of the fallen. Starbucks supports initiatives that inspire Veterans to engage with their communities, fostering a sense of purpose and connection. This partnership includes programming that encourages service projects, mentorship opportunities and leadership training for Veterans, helping them to reintegrate and thrive in civilian life.
Wounded Warrior Project
In collaboration with the Wounded Warrior Project, Starbucks enhances the lives of injured Veterans and their families by providing resources for mental health, physical wellness and career development. This partnership focuses on creating awareness and funding for vital programs that assist Veterans in overcoming challenges related to their service, ensuring they receive the support needed for a successful transition to civilian life.
“At the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, we are committed to honoring and supporting those who care for our wounded Veterans and service members. With this partnership, Starbucks underscores its deep commitment to improving the lives of America’s military and veteran families and recognizing the vital role caregivers play in support of wounded warriors.”
STEVE SCHWAB, CEO OF THE ELIZABETH DOLE FOUNDATION
* Valid at participating U.S. locations. Limit 1 per customer. Cold Brew is not included. Cafés and drive-thru only.