October 20, 2014
The delicious way to stop homelessness.
If you ever needed a reason to feel good about drinking coffee, look no further. Social consciousness is the name of the game this month as we team up with an organisation that’s gone all in to instigate change and make a difference for Melbourne’s disadvantaged youth. But it’s not just goodness, or a gamble, that brings them here today; these guys and gals look after their beans as much as they look after their teens!
Welcome to STREAT, brainchild of co-founders Rebecca Scott and Kate Barrelle. They set out to build a scalable social enterprise dedicated to taking youth off the streets of Melbourne – using this city’s addiction for good food and coffee.
“We’re trying to create the perfect cup – one that’s not only brimming with flavour, but also one that does social and environmental good.”
STREAT started life in 2010, training and supporting disadvantaged youth via a couple of food carts in Fed Square, but it’s no longer your typical not for profit. It’s now five cafes, catering and a seriously good coffee operation – STREAT Coffee.
Michael Lawson runs STREAT Coffee. This is the guy with a passion for everything coffee related - the captain of caffeinated seas! It’s his delicious beans that are helping end youth homelessness.
Michael spearheads the aromas and flavours for selection while navigating through the stories contained within the coffee. This spurs The Coffee Captain to explore and share the ever evolving coffee offering with employees and customers. “We’re an organisation with a business head, social heart, and lover’s palate”, he quotes and couldn’t be more right.
The Social Blend in front of you today speaks to the passion behind the people who made it possible. It is STREAT Coffee’s signature blend, winning Silver and Bronze at the 2013 and 2014 Golden Bean Awards – and the Decaf just won Gold!
The Social’s sweet palate is made up of berry fruits balanced with lemon acidity and hints of chocolate and caramel that creates a vibrant and clean espresso. Filled with life by a beautifully fruit driven natural from Ethiopia, this award winner excites espresso drinkers and pleases everyone else as it also has a structured body to carry and complement milk.
2015 is an exciting time for STREAT, moving into a new purpose built training, roasting and food hub located in Collingwood helping them continue to combine the art of good food and coffee with a connected social purpose.
If it’s all a bit much for you to handle in the morning, drink the Social Blend with one thought in mind: Tastes good. Does good.
Want to join the coffee club? Sign up to Three Thousand Thieves today.
Photos by Bobby & Tide.
Stay in touch with STREAT via Instagram @STREATmelbourne
