Fresh coffee beans for a good cause

Since opening its doors a year ago, Herman's Coffee has collaborated on custom blends of coffee with local businesses that range from a web design studio to a screen-printing shop to Kensington's Martha bar. This month, the Pennsport coffee shop and roastery launched a new bag of beans aimed at funding the fight against childhood cancer: Alex's Blend, the product of a partnership with Alex's Lemonade Stand.

Herman's founder and co-owner Mat Falco said that after he approached the pediatric cancer foundation about working together, representatives visited to sample coffee and determine what the flavor profile would be. Naturally, the final product features citrus notes, and it's also redolent of berries and cocoa.

Falco plans to have the blend available year-round. Ten percent of gross sales of all Alex's Blend coffee and other products, such as T-shirts and tote bags with the Alex's Blend logo, will go to Alex's Lemonade Stand, he said.

Alex's Blend, $18 for a 12-ounce bag at Herman's Coffee, 1313 S. Third St., Philadelphia; hermanscoffee.com.