Starbucks giving free coffee to first responders, front-line workers during coronavirus pandemic

A Starbucks coffee cup is seen inside a Starbucks Coffee shop in Washington, D.C. (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)

by: Nexstar Media Wire

Posted: Mar 25, 2020 / 03:50 PM EDT

Updated: Mar 25, 2020 / 04:04 PM EDT

(WJW) — Starbucks is giving back during the coronavirus crisis.

On Wednesday, the company announced it’s giving free coffee to front-line responders to COVID-19 until May 3.

Any customer who identifies as a first responder or front-line worker supporting the healthcare system will receive a tall brewed coffee — hot or iced — at no charge. That includes police officers, firefighters, paramedics, doctors, nurses, hospital and medical staff and medical researchers.

According to a press release, the Starbucks Foundation will donate $500K to front-line responders in the United States, with $250K going to Operation Gratitude to support the delivery of thousands of care packages to healthcare workers and $250K going to Direct Relief to support the delivery of personal protective equipment and essential medical items.

On Tuesday, Starbucks said it will pay workers for 30 days — whether they go to work or not.

As part of Starbucks commitment to support our communities through this dynamic time, we want to thank the tens of thousands of healthcare workers and first responders who are protecting the health and safety of our neighborhoods. https://t.co/YcAK3JSiou
— Kevin Johnson (@Kevin_Johnson) March 25, 2020