I have lost track as to how many days we are now into social distancing and staying home. I miss my local coffee shop, but in the presence of everything going on, I have found a few ways that I can support my local coffee roasters and coffee shops during this time, so I thought I would share them with you.
While the rest of the world is on lockdown, coffee roasters are considered essential and are still out there roasting those wonderful beans. So, how can we support them?
This crazy world we live in right now has had major implications for coffee shops and roasters, with small to medium enterprises being the most impacted. Here's how customers can help support their local roasters while still following recommended safety protocols.
How to Support Local Coffee Roasters and Coffee Shops
#1 Buy Subscription boxes like Blue Coffee Box
We are still shipping coffee every single day to our loyal subscribers, which means we have tons of coffee coming in from the featured roasters we support.
By purchasing a Blue Coffee Box, you are helping local roasters sell their speciality coffees and keeping their businesses up and running.
Because of many businesses being shut down right now during all of what is going on, then that could mean that several coffee roasters might lose business.
If these coffee roasters lose their business, it could also result in green bean importers and exporters losing out, which will result in coffee producers eventually not getting paid.
#2 Consider Purchasing Gift Cards and Coffee Packs
One way that I have been supporting my local coffee shop is by purchasing gift cards to use for future use and buying coffee curbside.
I don't get to actually go into the business, however, I just contact them on Facebook and let them know that I would like to purchase some coffee beans. They get my order ready and take my payment info over the phone.
When I am ready to pick it up, I simply call when I arrive and they bring it right out to my car. It's a win-win for all of us.
#3 Pay it Forward With Coffee
Another thing I am seeing online right now is that people are buying coffees from local roasters and gifting them to others.
That is a great way to share the movement and keep your local roasters in business.
If your local roastery offers takeaway coffee without face-to-face contact, consider creating a suspended coffee movement, where you pay for an extra coffee in addition to your own. These free coffees can then be gifted to those in need.
If you're a coffee drinking customer like me and cannot live without your daily cup of goodness, consider all the ways you can help support your local roasters and coffee shops.
#4 Donate to a Good Coffee Cause
Find a local roaster online who has set up a fund to help his or her business and donate money to it. There are many businesses right now who have no idea if they will be able to open again or not and everything you can do to help is appreciated.
Coffee shops and roasters around the world have been placed in a challenging position, but many are finding ways to keep their business afloat and support their staff during the COVID-19 crisis. However, they can only continue to do so with support from their customers.
If you have the means and the money to do so, you can keep the coffee momentum going by using the above measures.
These will help you enjoy your favourite beverage safely and ensure that those responsible for getting it to you will be able to do so into the future.
