Addressing Food Insecurity in the Denver Front Range

Broomfield Community Foundation staff members had the opportunity to visit grant recipient We Don’t Waste in Spring 2024.

Food insecurity is a pressing issue along the Denver Front Range, affecting a significant portion of the population. Recent statistics reveal that approximately 1 in 8 individuals in the region struggles with food insecurity, translating to over 400,000 people unsure of where their next meal will come from. This problem is particularly acute in low-income neighborhoods and food deserts, where access to fresh and nutritious food is limited.

In response to this critical issue, We Don’t Waste was founded in 2009 with a mission to tackle food waste while addressing food insecurity. As one of the largest food recovery organizations in Colorado, We Don’t Waste plays a vital role in ensuring that surplus food reaches those in need instead of ending up in landfills.

We Don’t Waste prioritizes rescuing perishable items such as fresh produce, lean proteins, and dairy products. These foods not only have a shorter shelf life but their production also has a significant environmental impact. By focusing on these items, We Don’t Waste not only helps reduce food waste but also provides nutritious food to families and individuals who might otherwise go without.

This approach is particularly beneficial for those living in food deserts, where access to fresh foods is severely limited. By providing a steady supply of fresh produce, lean proteins, and dairy products, We Don’t Waste helps ensure that these communities have access to healthier food options.

In addition to directly serving individuals and families, We Don’t Waste supplements the food assistance provided by their partner nonprofits. This collaboration allows recipient partners to offer consistent, healthy, and wholesome foods without increasing their operating costs. Consequently, these nonprofits can allocate more of their financial resources to other critical programs and services.

Through its innovative approach to food recovery and distribution, We Don’t Waste not only mitigates the environmental impact of food waste but also makes a substantial difference in the lives of those facing food insecurity in the Denver Front Range.

We Don’t Waste is deeply committed to supporting the community and the environment by providing quality food at no cost to nonprofit organizations feeding those experiencing food insecurity. The organization is driven by the belief that the strength of a community is measured by its compassion. By supplying nonprofits with the food they need, We Don’t Waste helps ensure that vulnerable populations have access to nutritious meals.

In the Metro Denver area, approximately 50 neighborhoods are classified as food deserts, lacking access to affordable, fresh, and nutritious food. To address this issue, We Don’t Waste developed a Mobile Food Market, which brings healthy and nutritious food directly to these underserved areas. This initiative aims to bridge the gap in food accessibility and ensure that all community members have access to the sustenance they need.

Food waste is a collective issue that can be tackled at both the community and household levels. While We Don’t Waste focuses on recovering good food from businesses for redistribution, it also emphasizes the importance of reducing food waste at home. With the average household of four wasting about $1,600 annually on food, We Don’t Waste encourages everyone to become food waste warriors. By eating seasonally and being mindful of food consumption, individuals can contribute to a larger effort to minimize food waste and its environmental impact.

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