International Coffee Day: Why the Coffee Industry Must Invest in Farmers’ Futures
Every year on October 1, we celebrate International Coffee Day—a moment to recognize the people behind every cup of coffee and the incredible work that goes into growing it. But beyond celebration, this day also calls on all of us in the coffee industry to ask: how are we supporting the farmers who make our daily ritual possible? Or, more importantly - How is YOUR company directly supporting the farmers that keep your business running?
The hard truth is, coffee farmers—particularly smallholder farmers who cultivate small plots of land under 2 hectares—continuously face immense challenges. Rising costs of farming sustainably, effects of climate change, political instability, and on-going economic shocks have made it harder than ever for farming families to survive on the roughly $1500 coffee income they earn annually. In Latin America, where Food 4 Farmers works, these pressures contribute to an annual cycle of hunger, malnutrition, and poverty.
Coffee companies have a critical role to play in addressing these challenges. By investing in coffee farmers—not just in the coffee they produce—we can build a future where farming families thrive, communities grow stronger, and coffee itself becomes more sustainable for the entire supply chain.
That’s where Coffee for Change comes in. Food 4 Farmers created this program as a simple, impactful way for coffee companies to invest in farming families and their communities. By joining Coffee for Change, companies can pledge a monthly donation, commit a set portion of coffee sales, contribute through green coffee premiums, or direct existing 1% for the Planet contributions to support food security projects and education.
The impact of these investments is tangible:
$25 provides a family with seeds for a home garden.
$100 supplies fruit trees for 10 families.
$500 covers the annual cost of a home garden—including materials, training workshops, and technical support.
$1,500 funds a year of job training and a stipend for a food security community promoter.
Companies like Brio Coffeeworks, Philz Coffee, La Colombe Coffee Roasters, and Peet’s Coffee have already shown what’s possible—raising tens of thousands of dollars to help coffee-farming families build healthier, more resilient lives. And in return, they’ve strengthened customer loyalty, deepened community ties, and demonstrated what it means to lead with purpose.
This International Coffee Day, we invite coffee companies everywhere to be part of the solution. Join Coffee for Change and help build a future where coffee-farming families no longer face the choice between growing coffee and feeding their children.
Learn more about Coffee for Change and how your company can get involved. Together, we can grow a healthier future for coffee—one cup at a time.