It’s no surprise that many individuals and industries have been significantly impacted by the COVID pandemic. The restaurant industry, in particular, has suffered massive losses. Moreover, since restaurants represent important gathering spaces where people from across our communities make meaningful connections while enjoying food together, these losses have definitely been felt on a broad scale.
In the midst of all these challenges, however, the “caring economy” kicked in as a number of organizations—including Frontline Foods and World Central Kitchen, The Giving Kitchen and the Restaurant Reboot Relief Program, for example—launched initiatives designed to support the restaurant industry.
The good news is that many restaurants are starting to recover, with some now looking for ways to do their part and pay it forward by finding novel opportunities to give back to their surrounding communities. In fact, one of the easiest ways some of them have found to make a difference is by sourcing products from local vendors who also engage with social impact causes. Interestingly, coffee suppliers, in particular, are in a position to make a tremendous difference.
All types of restaurants—from local diners to 5-star establishments—have some type of coffee service. Furthermore, since coffee is often grown and sourced from countries with significant economic disadvantages, there is a substantial opportunity for restaurants to begin partnering with coffee vendors who can support the framing and agricultural sectors in places like Brazil, Columbia and Africa.
Ultimately, if restaurants are able to partner with coffee brands that also support social causes in their local communities, then together they can literally “pour out with a purpose” each day as they work to impact change one cup of coffee at a time.
Take, for example, former NFL player Justin Watson, founder and owner of BLQK Coffee. Watson sources his coffee from Ethiopia—and then gives 25% of his company profits to youth and education initiatives right here in the U.S. Highlighting the global benefits of promoting ethically sourced coffee, Watson explains, “Our goals and initiatives are to source from these Black-owned farms, actually giving back to that farmland while also having our profits make a difference for families and youth right here in our own backyard.”
San Marino Cafe recently partnered with BLQK Coffee to supply their brand as part of their coffee offering to customers. Their goal is to offer a quality product, giving customers the aroma and flavor they desire, while also supporting social impact and making a difference.
Yes, it may sound like small change, but responsibly developing partnerships between restaurants and coffee suppliers—especially with those committed to local giving—has the power to change lives, both here and abroad. These small changes can make a considerable impact as we all work together to engage in the caring economy… an economy we all need in order to help others now and for years to come.
Learn more about BLQK at their website
