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Where To Get A Coffee That Cares


There are so many ways you can make a small change in a day that can make a big impact in someone’s life. Social enterprise cafes and initiatives involving food have been popping up all across Australia. No matter where you live you can make a difference. Read on for food with a conscience.

Suspended Coffee Initiative (National)

There’s a simple new idea for helping others that’s taking the world by storm. Based on an Italian tradition, a suspended coffee means you buy two coffees - one for yourself and the other for a person in need. The cafe holds onto your other purchase (suspending it) until somebody in need asks if there are any suspended coffees available. Cafes all over Australia are participating and you can find one near you with a quick search. The best part is you can give as much or as little as you want; buy an extra coffee, a bowl of soup, sandwich or even a cold drink and it will go to someone who needs it.

Joy Beans Coffee (Gold Coast, Queensland) Joy Beans is a one-of-a-kind cafe with their own single-origin, speciality, organic blends. Owners, Patty and Ben, are dedicated to making a difference by not only providing organic, fair-trade coffee but also giving back a portion of all profits to charity. Each blend of coffee gives back to a charity in that specific area. Their single origin Mexican blend, for example, gives back to Mision Mexico, Mexico; a loving family home for children who have been neglected, orphaned or abandoned, while their Ethiopian coffee blend gives back to Beyond the Orphanage; who place at risk orphans in loving families. Did I mention they also have vegan ice-cream? It really doesn’t get much better than that.

STREAT (Victoria)

Make your morning coffee count by picking it up from any of the STREAT cafes in and around Melbourne. Everyday STREAT is working to support disadvantaged youth aged 16-25 and providing them with a pathway from homelessness into a sustainable livelihood. Who would have thought your morning pick-me-up could help to pick someone else up too?

Bread and Butter Project (NSW)

If you’re from NSW here’s one you’ll want to be a part of. The Bread and Butter Project is a not-for-profit bakery where 100% of the proceeds go to training and employment opportunities for refugees and asylum seekers in Sydney. If you love a fresh loaf in the morning then make it one for a good cause from any of the participating stores or home delivery services here.

Melbourne and Sydney:

These two coffee sculling, trendy dining cities of Australia have really taken on the idea of social enterprise in hospitality. So much so that there’s whole lists of places you can try that will give something back either to the local community or overseas via charity work. Whether you’re from Sydney or Melbourne you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Other States:

Not a Sydney-sider, Melbournite or Sunshine-Loving-Gold-Coaster? Don’t stress you can still make a difference. If you’re in or around WA stop in at 1905 Cafe where they partner with Workpower to create opportunities for people with disabilities, their families and carers. Brisbane born and bred? Then you’ll want to check out Espresso Train Cafe & Catering. They provide meaningful employment for people with disabilities as well as focusing on the environment by running on solar energy. Capital city dwellers need to head for Cafe Ink near the Woden Library in Canberra. Their focus is on employment opportunities for migrants and refugees and engaging with the community to foster a sense of social inclusion.

Making social responsibility a part of your everyday doesn’t have to be a chore. It’s simple if you take a normal habit and add a charitable twist. No matter which part of Australia you hail from there’s a social enterprise on your doorstep so go out and start giving.

This guest post was written by Julia Hammond from Mydeal.com.au. (Psst.. Katie was also featured by MyDeal in this article on Young Entrepreneurship. Click here to check it out.)

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