Starbucks Quick Response Helps Surrounding Communities Affected by Floods and Landslides in Sumatra

In response to torrential rains and floods in Indonesia, including in coffee-growing regions of Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra, Starbucks took swift action to help impacted communities through access to clean, safe drinking water, nutritious meals, and essential supplies like blankets and mats for displaced families.

Together with Planet Water Foundation, Starbucks –supported by The Starbucks Foundation— is deploying AquaBlock emergency water filtration systems and AquaTowers in the most affected and needy areas. This technology provides a safe and reliable supply of drinking water to affected communities, while helping prevent diseases that often arise in post-disaster situations. In addition, Starbucks support to Save the Children is also to assist with the distribution of essential supplies, psychosocial support, community recovery efforts, and comprehensive support for children and families whose lives have been impacted.

Our hearts are with everyone impacted by the recent floods in Indonesia. The Starbucks Foundation is helping provide critical aid and support in partnership with Planet Water Foundation and Save the Children.”

- Kelly Goodejohn, Chief Social Impact Officer, Starbucks and executive director of The Starbucks Foundation.

The devastating disaster in Sumatra has impacted on the lives of countless families. Immediate action was taken first for Starbucks partners who’s affected by it. “Our partner is the backbone of Starbucks, and with this challenging time, we remain committed to our Partner Promise — to be a bridge to a better future,” said Anthony Mc Evoy, Director of PT Sari Coffee Indonesia, the official licensee of Starbucks in Indonesia. “Within days after the disaster, we mobilized quickly to help partners who experienced extensive flood damage by donating more than 100 million rupiah and providing them with additional relief measures to help them focus on recovery,” he added.