Starbucks serves up grande grant to Harvest Algoma

Thanks to a nomination from a local Starbucks partner, Harvest Algoma has received a $5,400 grant. 

The organization was chosen from among 33,000 nominations submitted to the Starbucks Foundation's Neighbourhood Grants program this year.

Harvest Algoma plans to use the money to upgrade its freezer units to better store rescued food and prepared meals.

"We are grateful for the support from Starbucks, which enhances our ability to provide nutritious meals to those in need,” said Harvest Algoma Director David Thompson, in a news release issued today. “The local Starbucks partners' dedication to our mission is inspiring."

For more information, see the press release below: 

As part of The Starbucks Foundation’s Neighborhood Grants program, Harvest Algoma was selected to receive a $5,400 grant. This grant award is thanks to a nomination from a local Starbucks partner employee who recognized their work in feeding those most in need in the Algoma region.

Through this unique program, The Starbucks Foundation invites Starbucks partners and alumni to nominate a local organization in their community. Since 2019, more than 13,000 grants have been awarded to local organizations, amounting to more than $20 million. For 2024, Harvest Algoma was selected from among 33,000 nominations submitted by Starbucks partners earlier this year.

As a key player in reducing food waste and hunger in our community, Harvest Algoma focuses on sourcing wholesome food from local grocers, community donations, and its own greenhouses. This food, which might otherwise be lost to landfills, is transformed by its chefs and volunteers into nutritious meals with any excess shared with local farmers for animal feed or composted. Harvest Algoma then stores and distributes these meals across a network of regional food banks, shelters, and community programs that directly help those in need.

With the support of this grant, Harvest Algoma plans to upgrade its freezer units to better store rescued food and prepared meals, enhancing its capacity to support the many partner agencies across the Algoma region. The organization extends its heartfelt thanks to Starbucks partners in Sault Ste. Marie for their ongoing contributions of perishable products that help provide essential food items to our community.

"We are grateful for the support from Starbucks, which enhances our ability to provide nutritious meals to those in need,” says Harvest Algoma Director David Thompson. “The local Starbucks partners' dedication to our mission is inspiring."

The Starbucks Foundation’s Neighborhood Grants program supports grassroots, community-led nonprofit organizations through catalytic investments in the form of grants. Neighborhood Grants also help build sustained local impact and inspire increased partner (employee) engagement with nonprofit organizations that work in their communities.

“Our partners (employees) know their communities best, and have shared great insights about the organizations helping to uplift others in their neighborhoods, from supporting youth and families to fighting hunger and promoting environmental stewardship,” said Alicia Vermaele, executive director of The Starbucks Foundation.

“Through our latest round of Neighborhood Grants, we’re proud to support local organizations nominated by Starbucks partners who make our communities stronger.” Learn more about the Neighborhood Grants program at Starbucks Stories.