About Denver food rescue
Denver Food Rescue: Producing Health Equity with Denver Neighborhoods
Denver Food Rescue is a non-profit organization that aims to reduce food waste and increase access to healthy food in Denver neighborhoods. The organization was founded in 2012 by a group of volunteers who were concerned about the amount of food that was being wasted in their community. They saw an opportunity to rescue this food and distribute it to those who needed it most.
The mission of Denver Food Rescue is to produce health equity with Denver neighborhoods by increasing access to fresh, healthy, and nutritious foods. The organization believes that everyone deserves access to healthy food, regardless of their income or where they live.
Denver Food Rescue operates on a unique model that involves rescuing fresh produce from grocery stores, farmers markets, and other sources before it goes bad. This rescued produce is then distributed directly to communities through no-cost grocery programs called Fresh Food Connect and Produce Pop-Up.
Fresh Food Connect is a mobile app that connects local gardeners with neighbors who want fresh produce. Gardeners can donate their excess fruits and vegetables through the app, which are then picked up by volunteers from Denver Food Rescue and distributed directly into the hands of those who need it most.
Produce Pop-Up events are held throughout the city at various locations such as schools, community centers, churches, and parks. These events provide free fruits and vegetables for anyone who needs them without any eligibility requirements or paperwork needed.
In addition to these programs, Denver Food Rescue also partners with local organizations such as schools, shelters, clinics, and community centers to provide ongoing support for those in need. The organization also offers educational workshops on topics such as cooking skills, nutrition education, gardening tips for growing your own produce at home.
Denver Food Rescue has made significant strides towards reducing food waste while increasing access to healthy foods in underserved communities throughout the city. Since its inception in 2012 until now (2021), they have rescued over 3 million pounds of fresh produce and distributed it to over 100,000 individuals in need.
The impact of Denver Food Rescue's work goes beyond just providing access to healthy food. By rescuing food that would otherwise go to waste, the organization is also reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable practices. Additionally, by partnering with local organizations and providing educational workshops, Denver Food Rescue is empowering communities to take control of their health and well-being.
In conclusion, Denver Food Rescue is a non-profit organization that is making a significant impact on the health and well-being of underserved communities in Denver. Their unique model of rescuing fresh produce before it goes bad and distributing it directly into the hands of those who need it most has proven successful in reducing food waste while increasing access to healthy foods. Through ongoing partnerships with local organizations and educational workshops, they are empowering communities to take control of their health while promoting sustainable practices for a better future.