An innovative alliance has been formed between World Food Program USA and Starbucks Coffee Company to enhance the resilience, food security, and nutrition of coffee-growing communities in Guatemala. This collaboration focuses on supporting families within Starbucks' supply chain over a two-year period. Barron Segar, president and CEO of World Food Program USA, highlighted the urgency of addressing global hunger challenges exacerbated by rising costs and extreme weather conditions. The initiative aims to assist approximately 3,000 individuals across 600 households by fostering diversified income streams and improving access to nutritious food, with special attention given to indigenous women and children. Through practical training, participants will acquire essential entrepreneurial skills to expand business opportunities and strengthen agricultural value chains.
The partnership underscores Starbucks' dedication to promoting sustainability and enhancing farmers' livelihoods globally. Kelly Goodejohn, Starbucks' chief social impact officer, emphasized the company's longstanding commitment to ensuring a sustainable future for coffee farming communities. Since its establishment in 1971, Starbucks has prioritized ethical sourcing and high-quality arabica coffee production. The company's open-sourced verification program, launched in 2004, promotes transparent and sustainable coffee cultivation practices while safeguarding the well-being of farmers. In Guatemala, where environmental challenges such as prolonged dry seasons and poor soil quality persist, collaborations with organizations like World Food Program USA play a pivotal role in bolstering farmer resilience and stability.
This endeavor aligns with the broader mission of World Food Program USA, which mobilizes policymakers, businesses, and individuals in the United States to combat global hunger. With more than 40,000 stores worldwide, Starbucks remains at the forefront of specialty coffee roasting and retailing. The company's commitment to excellence and guiding principles bring the distinctive Starbucks Experience to life for customers globally.
Through this strategic collaboration, both entities aim to create lasting positive impacts for coffee-growing communities in Guatemala. By focusing on nutrition enhancement and securing reliable access to resources, they strive to ensure the long-term prosperity and sustainability of these vital farming communities. Such initiatives exemplify the power of partnerships in driving meaningful change and addressing pressing global challenges.