Starbucks has announced a partnership with the US Food Waste Pact, becoming the second quick service restaurant (QSR) to commit to this national voluntary agreement.
The US Food Waste Pact, headed by the nonprofit organisations ReFED and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), seeks to minimise waste in the US food system through collaboration and data sharing.
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Starbucks’ involvement aligns with its goal of cutting food waste 50% by 2030.
ReFED, a resource partner of the US Food Waste Pact, estimates that 38% of food produced in the US is uneaten or unsold, leading to significant environmental impacts.
This waste contributes to 5.2% of US greenhouse gas emissions, including methane.
More than 90 million tonnes of wasted food equates to 149 billion meals valued at $495bn annually.
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By GlobalDataStarbucks chief social impact officer Kelly Goodejohn said: “For the past 50 years, Starbucks has focused on giving back to the communities we serve. We take an innovative approach to reduce food waste, such as through our FoodShare programme, where we donate surplus food from our stores to local food banks.”
“We also help strengthen food banks to ensure donations are distributed equitably and sustainably. By participating in the US Food Waste Pact, we work with others in the industry to improve food waste reduction, both within Starbucks and across the sector.”
Since 2016, the company has diverted more than 75 million pounds of food from waste streams and donated 63 million meals through its FoodShare programme.
The programme is implemented in all company-owned stores in the US and Canada, and food rescue programmes operate in 30 global markets.
Joining the pact will enable Starbucks to enhance these efforts through shared practices and benchmarking.
ReFED vice-president of business initiatives and community engagement Jackie Suggitt stated: “Having Starbucks as a signatory of the US Food Waste Pact is a big step forward for the QSR subsector.”
“Starbucks is an industry leader, especially when it comes to food donation and the example that their FoodShare programme is setting. Food waste happens across the supply chain, and targeting the QSR subsector broadens our impact and action in reducing food waste systemwide.”
The US Food Waste Pact includes signatories such as Ahold Delhaize USA, ALDI US, Amazon Fresh, Aramark and Walmart.
Starbucks has also launched a new Valentine’s Day 2025 menu featuring items such as the Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Crème Frappuccino Blended Beverage and Chocolate Hazelnut Cookie Cold Brew in the US for a limited time.
The chain has also introduced the limited-time Blackberry Sage Refresher series and Midnight Drink beverages across the US and Canada.
