The beautiful, heartfelt tradition of “suspended coffee” began in Naples, Italy. What happens is: people will order and pay for maybe 5 coffees and will then ask the barista to suspend about 3 of them. They do this for the less fortunate, so it is of no charge to them when they come in to a cafe and ask for the suspended coffee.
I heard about this through a video on Facebook. It truly touched me and I feel this should be offered in every cafe across America and throughout the world. Offering suspended coffees would allow those not as fortunate as the rest of us to at least have a hot beverage, especially during the cold months.
In Naples, it is known as “sospeso,” where a person who has had good luck, will pay for two coffees, but only consume one. The founder, John M. Sweeney, ran with this idea after first reading a story about some friends at a coffee shop discussing the concept of “suspended coffee.” Thus, on March 27, 2013, the movement began. In the first year alone, Suspended Coffees acquired 1400 supporting cafes and is still growing.
There is a website that depicts exactly where suspended coffee is offered. There are a couple of cafes in just about every state of the United States. The map on their website pinpoints these cafes as being located mainly in the Eastern part of the country, but it is widespread. This trend is seen, more so, in other countries around the world, as can be seen on the map as well.
Suspended Coffees is looking for help in their effort to see this trends’ continued growth. Anyone can get involved with the organization through their website. They are asking that people introduce the movement to their local cafes, write weekly blogs and news articles, and they are looking for graphic designers to help out with social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.).
I ask that you take part in this and help out any way you can – I know I will, whether it be buying suspended coffees or helping the organization directly.
In a world of uncertainty, be the light in the darkness.
Here are the links to their Facebook page and their website where you will be able to find more info about getting involved with the organization and restaurant/cafes offering Suspended Coffee: