Starbucks is offering free coffee to veterans and military service members this Veterans Day.
On Monday, Nov. 11, the coffee chain will give away a free tall coffee (hot or iced) to veterans, military members and military spouses at participating U.S. stores, according to a press release.
“This Veterans Day, Starbucks, with him [employee]a resource group led by the Armed Forces Network, is proud to once again recognize and give back to veterans and the military community through free coffee and extended support,” the company wrote in a statement shared Thursday, Oct. 31.
Starbucks Military Family Store in Brandywine, Maryland.
Joshua Trujillo/Starbucks
In addition to its gifts, the cafe will donate $200,000 to several charities that support America’s veterans and their families, including the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, which helps caregivers who care for injured veterans, and the Wounded Warrior Project, which offers support to fallen veterans.
Starbucks also confirmed Thursday that it will open nearly 100 new stores on military bases as part of its Starbucks Military Family Stores program, which the company says will “advance veterans’ goals, accelerate employment in military communities and support the transition from military to civilian careers.”
“Military Family Stores work closely with veteran service organizations to connect local veterans and their families with important resources and services,” Starbucks wrote of the on-base stores, which will feature special artwork, military-designed barista aprons and more.
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Military Family Store in Oak Harbor, Washington.
Joshua Trujillo/Starbucks
Starbucks has long been known for its support of veterans, as the gift of coffee on Veterans Day is a longstanding tradition.
In their press release, the company also shared some of their veteran programs, both for customers and employees (they’ve hired more than 40,000 veterans and military spouses over the past 11 years.)
The company also offers a number of benefits to veteran employees — or partners, as they’re called — including 80 hours of pay per year if partners are called to National Guard or Reserve duty while working, mental health support, tuition for family members to receive scholarships for online bachelor’s programs program at Arizona State University and more.
“Starbucks’ deep respect and commitment to our military and veteran communities extends beyond free coffee on Veterans Day,” AJ Jones II, executive vice president of corporate affairs and executive sponsor of the Starbucks Armed Forces Partner Network, added in a press release.
“From our Military Family Store model to accelerating community employment and supporting the transition from military to civilian careers, it’s the foundation of our continued work to strengthen communities and support our military,” Jones said. “On this Veterans Day, we thank everyone who served and their families who supported them.”
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Starbucks has had several big menu updates over the past few months, including the removal of its Oleato Olive Oil Drinks, getting rid of dairy-free milk, and teasing its new holiday drinks and food items, which will be available nationwide on Thursday, November 7.
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Source: HIS Education