Photo courtesy of Zest Tea

Amid an alarming surge in coronavirus cases, coffee and tea manufacturers are stepping up to send a heartfelt message of thanks to our nation’s healthcare heroes and first responders.  

Specialty beverage brands Honest Tea, KABAKI Kenyan Purple Tea, La Colombe Coffee Roasters, Paunchy Elephant, RISE Brewing Co., and Zest Tea have teamed up with Frontline Impact Project. Together, these brewers have donated more than 33,000 hot and cold beverages to nearly 60 frontline institutions nationwide. 

Launched by The KIND Foundation (the charitable entity of KIND Snacks) in April 2020, Frontline Impact Project matches frontline institutions with donated products. In addition to beverages, donors have given food, personal care and hygiene items, hand sanitizer, and mental health and wellness services.

“Working with Frontline Impact Project enables RISE Brewing Co. to target product donations quickly and scale our impact efficiently,” explains Melissa Kalimov, COO, RISE Brewing Co. “The platform simplifies the logistics and removes much of the heavy lifting that deters so many small- and medium-sized businesses from doing good. We are so happy to be part of this effort and to show our appreciation for the commitment of our nation’s frontline workers.”   

James Fayal, founder and CEO of Zest Tea, echoes Kalimov’s sentiment. 

“Prior to working with Frontline Impact Project, we were sending product to hospitals as requests came in,” he says. “We reached out to our network and customers asking if there were any organizations in need. Frontline Impact Project has massively streamlined that operation and allows us to work at a larger scale.” 

According to a recent survey of frontline institutions, 100% of respondents said that their workers still have many needs beyond PPE. Of those surveyed, more than half said they need food and beverages. 

“Frontline institutions have told us that their workers are sacrificing their own needs as they care for others,” says Michael Johnston, president of The KIND Foundation. “Corporate response has been extraordinary, but the situation calls for more as the virus reaches new communities. We invite companies of all sizes and industries to join us so that, together, we can meet the moment and help as many people as possible.”  

The platform offers an agile and inclusive way to give back. Donors are not required to commit a certain quantity of products nor do they have to sign on for a set period of time. Additionally, businesses can micro-target their giving by focusing on a geographic region or type of institution. Those interested in learning more can visit www.frontlineimpact.org.

—Courtesy of The KIND Foundation