As part of its continued commitment to the Veteran and military spouse community, Starbucks announced the locations of its next five Military Family Stores (MFS): Austin and El Paso, Texas (Camp Mabry and Ft. Bliss); Clarksville, Tennessee (Fort Campbell); Newport, Rhode Island (Naval War College); and Bedford, Massachusetts (Joint Base Hanscom).
The five stores bring the total MFS count to 37 operating across the U.S.
In March, at the company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Starbucks announced it would be dedicating 100 more stores with a MFS designation over the next five years. This is part of a commitment to hire 25,000 Veteran and military spouses by 2025. The company has hired more than 10,000 Veteran and military spouse partners (employees) since 2013.
“Service members and military spouses are the best example of engaged citizens. Long after leaving active duty, they continue to vote, volunteer and serve their communities at a high rate, serving as the best examples of citizenship,” says John Kelly, senior vice president, Social Impact & Public Policy. “We are honored to serve as a place where these American heroes can continue to impact their community in a positive way.”
Functioning as a hub within the military community, stores with an MFS designation focus on programs that address the specific needs of Veterans, military spouses and active-duty service members. Each store catalyzes Starbucks Veteran hiring efforts and connect to its community through relationships with the local military base and with Veterans service organizations. The stores will also honor Starbucks partners and customers with design components, such as special murals, patriotic green aprons and offer merchandise that reflect the company’s appreciation for military service.
“Military families move often and live far from family and friends,” says Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families. “We rely on outstanding partners like Starbucks in our communities across the country. Having a Military Family Store nearby means knowing that there is a welcoming environment to engage with neighbors and combat that sense of isolation.”
Among the special programs from these stores is Military Mondays, a collaboration between local veteran service organizations and Starbucks that offers pro bono legal support and other veteran and military spouse services at the company’s stores.
Many of the stores with MFS designation have also joined the Adopt a Military Unit program, where store partners sponsor units and send care packages to those deployed overseas.
In addition, the stores allow Starbucks to work with various Veteran Service Organizations that serve the needs of distinct groups within the military and veteran populations, including:
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Hiring Our Heroes Foundation: a program launched in 2011 as a nationwide initiative to help veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses find meaningful employment opportunities.
Blue Star Families: the leading advocate for and supporter of military spouses with a focus on career development, caregiving, and our informative research.
Team Red White and Blue: a program that enriches the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity.
Tragedy Assistance Programs for Survivors (TAPS) supports the families of fallen service members.
