Thanks for the tip! I just updated the FAQ --

As a Starbucks Employee, I'd like to comment on this. Starbucks runs on "promotion phases". During these phases we set aside weeks to support social responsibility. For example, brewing Fair Trade Coffee. So during a certain phase, regional markets will get Fair Trade for brewing in large quantities.
It's possible some regions may not get it for lack of sales, or other contextual issues relating to that market. That can be the internal business draw back: plus as a blend itself, Fair Trade is in limited quantity due to the Universal Regulation towards quality suppliers. From my review with Starbuck's resources, Starbucks abides when it can find suppliers it can support because the bean stock is a quality stock.

A small tidbit: Starbucks is doing their own internal thing. They search our estates, close-loop with them and support them. Our two newest blends do this.

Back to brewing Fair Trade: EVERY Starbucks is required to brew ANY blend in the store if the customer wants it. This is done primarily by French Press. We'll get out a french press and personally brew it for you. It can be cumbersome though, depending on how busy the store is, and the four-minute plus wait for it to brew.

At most Starbucks in SoCal I have seen this bags sitting out on the shelves and in display baskets with a big "Free" sign. No question that the grounds are there, and free. I have a bag or two in my own compost bin here in Pasadena.