Caribou Coffee Company, Inc. (Nasdaq: CBOU – News) announced today a partnership with the Emergency Foodshelf Network (EFN) to feed struggling Minnesota families. Caribou Coffee will participate in EFN’s December Baskets of Hope program, which provides a full meal for up to eight people per basket.

To encourage customers to join the cause, Caribou Coffee is offering a free drink–any kind, any size–for each donation of one pound of coffee. The baskets will be delivered December 19 and 20.

“We’ve learned that coffee is one of the most requested items at emergency food shelves,” says Alfredo Martel, senior vice president of marketing. “It’s also one of the least donated. As we strive to produce the very best hand-crafted coffee available, we want to share that coffee with our entire community, including our neighbors in need. This great program gives our team members and customers the opportunity to become involved.”

Caribou Coffee team members are taking part in this program by purchasing coffee to donate or by donating their weekly half-pound allotment of coffee to the cause.

EFN will deliver 2,500 Baskets of Hope to Minnesota families in December. Caribou Coffee hopes to donate at least 2,500 pounds of coffee from team members and customers so each family receives one in their basket.

“In the past year, food shelf visits have increased 25 percent, and Minnesota families across all demographics are struggling to put food on the table,” says Tim Barnes, executive director of EFN. “Giving to those in need is especially important during the holiday season, so we’re thrilled to have partners like Caribou Coffee on board. Through their generosity we are able to help more than 2,500 local families.” To learn more or to donate directly, visit www.emergencyfoodshelf.org.