Starbucks Philippines is brewing more than just coffee with its new “Get Together” campaign.
Launching across Asia Pacific, this initiative aims to spark meaningful conversations and inspire positive actions, one cup at a time. The campaign focuses on three core areas: people, community, and the environment—promoting positive changes in both big and small ways.
In the Philippines, Starbucks is focusing its “Get Together” efforts on youth education through the Community Store programs, and expanding its successful Starbucks FoodShare program.
To date, there are two Community Stores in the Philippines: the Abad Santos Tondo store and the Maysilo Circle store in Mandaluyong City.
The Abad Santos Tondo Community Store, which opened in September 2023, supports youth education through scholarships and after-school learning programs in partnership with Young Focus Foundation and AHA! Learning Center. A portion of every purchase at this location directly contributes to these programs.
The Maysilo Circle Community Store also supports youth education, with proceeds benefiting Mano Amiga Philippines, an organization dedicated to enhancing education for children from low-income communities. In addition, this store features Starbucks’ first Community Library, which boasts a diverse collection of books, including works by Filipino writers and illustrators.
Starbucks is also expanding its FoodShare program, which partners with the Philippine FoodBank Foundation and Grab. Since January 2022, participating Starbucks stores have connected with Grab drivers to pick up surplus food donations, which are then delivered to the Philippine FoodBank Foundation for distribution to communities in need.
“At Starbucks Philippines, connection is central to our mission,” said Starbucks Philippines president Noey Lopez. “Our ‘Get Together’ campaign highlights the strength of these connections, encouraging individuals to unite around meaningful causes. By turning everyday moments into opportunities for positive action, we hope to foster a culture of support and change.”
He highlighted the tangible impact of the Community Stores, noting that over 300 students have benefited from scholarships and learning programs since the opening of the Abad Santos Tondo store in 2023 and the Maysilo Circle store a year later.
He also shared that the FoodShare program has donated nearly 2 million rescuable food items from over 260 stores nationwide since 2022.
“This collaboration not only provides essential nutrition to those in need but also reduces food waste by diverting surplus food from landfills,” he said.
Starbucks also encourages customer and partner (employee) involvement in sustainability efforts, such as offering discounts for using reusable cups and tumblers.
Meanwhile, employees volunteerism has contributed to building classrooms in underserved areas through Starbucks’ long-term partnership with HOPE. Its most recent one is a classroom in Bulacan.
“Additionally, our collaboration with Planet Water Foundation has led to seven AquaTowers, with the latest in Quezon. These AquaTowers collectively provide clean water access to an estimated 12,000 individuals,” Lopez said. “Together with The Starbucks Foundation, we also deployed an AquaBlock to provide emergency water access during the aftermath of Tropical Storm Kristine in Camarines Sur.”
Looking ahead, Starbucks will build on the “Get Together” campaign by celebrating International Women’s Month and the Global Month of Good throughout March and April. The celebrations will include partner volunteer events featuring discussions with trailblazing women artists.
“By creating a ripple effect of shared purpose, we will also put the spotlight on our partner foundations and the dedicated individuals who get together for good, through an engaging social media campaign designed to foster a chain of appreciation and positivity,” Lopez shared.
