What You Can Learn From Starbucks' New Plan to Donate All Unsold Food to the Hungry

“Isn't it nice to come across something positive for a change?

Yesterday, Starbucks announced Foodshare: a program that donates 100% of leftover food that doesn't get sold in stores. Starbucks has been testing the initiative through a new partnership with Feeding America, and plans now to roll out the program to 7,600 company-operated stores in the U.S.

Great idea.”

That’s how I began my latest column on Inc., published earlier this morning. Starbucks had already been donating unused pastries for years. But getting perishable leftovers to those in need--while keeping them safe to eat--can be extremely difficult. However, it appears Starbucks and Feeding America have developed a way to do it.

Of course, Starbucks’ desire to help the community and reduce food waste is an honorable goal. It’s right in line with CEO Howard Schultz’s vision, which includes building a real, authentic company “from the heart” and “with the strength of the human spirit”.  

Not to be ignored is where the idea came from. John Kelly, senior vice president of Starbucks Global Responsibility, Community and Public Policy, had this to say:

"Like many of our social impact initiatives, the innovation and inspiration comes from our partners who are volunteering in and contributing to their communities. They saw the need for us to do more, and find a way to use our scale to bring more nourishing and ready-to-eat meals to those in need."

So what can you and your business learn from it all?

The Takeaways

There’s a lot to be learned from Starbucks’ success, and this recent initiative is one more example. Here are a few lessons.

If you’re a business owner or entrepreneur:

Your culture becomes your brand.

As the leader of your company, you set the example. Your decisions are a reflection of you and your business, and will have a profound impact on your culture.

In turn, your employees will become the best brand advocates possible.

“The employees must love the company before the customers ever will.” 
--Simon Sinek

So, ask yourself: What’s truly important to you?

• Do you want to give back to the community? Don’t wait until next week. Start brainstorming how today.
• Do you value your people’s opinions? Empower them by truly listening, and giving their “out-of-the-box” ideas a fair chance.
• Do you want employees to feel valued and appreciated? Praise them sincerely, whenever you see an opportunity.

If you’re an employee:

You have great ideas. Share them.

You may share a skill set with others, but no one learned those skills the exact way you did.

• Did you or your family move from another country? Then you’re equipped with a perspective and way of thinking that most around you don’t have.
• Did you grow up with a great family life? Then you’ve learned the value of stability and valuable communication skills.
• Or did you have a troubled childhood? Then you’ve got grit. You’re a survivor.

For example, Teva Sakima, a Starbucks partner (employee) and strong supporter of the new Foodshare program,  knew what hunger felt like.

“There was a time where we didn’t have enough money for food,” Sakima relates. And knowing there’s programs out there that help people it’s great…because I saw the heartbreak in my parents. No one should go to bed hungry or start the day hungry. It’s not okay.”

Your unique stories and experiences make you the only individual on earth that’s exactly like you. Take time to stop and think about how to make your work or company better.

Of course, not every manager or company leader will want to hear your ideas--and that’s frustrating.

But try to focus on what you can change, not on what you can’t. Most often, taking a little time to reflect on what’s going wrong at work and how you can solve it--instead of just going through the motions--will help you make work a better place.

[If you’re interested in a more in-depth take of the Starbucks story with a few more lessons for entrepreneurs and business owners--like how to build a culture of improvement--don’t miss my column from this morning. You can find it here.]

What do you think about Starbucks' move? And what lessons did you pick out? I'd love to hear from you in the comments section.

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As an author and one of LinkedIn's Top Voices, I share my thoughts on business and management best practices weekly. If you're interested in reading my free monthly newsletter, click here or contact me via email using jbariso[at]insight-global.de. (Or feel free to follow me on LinkedIn or on Twitter @JustinJBariso.) 

I also write for Inc. and TIME. Some other articles you might enjoy:

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