We Don’t Waste

We Don’t Waste: Combating Food Waste and Food Insecurity Together

Yesterday, we had the incredible opportunity to volunteer with We Don’t Waste at one of their local food markets. The experience shed light on a startling statistic: 40% of all food in the United States goes unsold or uneaten. This surplus food could make a significant impact on food insecurity, a problem that affects 1 in 3 Coloradans. In metro Denver alone, approximately 50 food apartheids exist, where historic and present discrimination has resulted in limited access to affordable, fresh, and nutritious foods. In this blog post, we’ll delve into We Don’t Waste’s innovative approach to tackling these pressing issues and share our firsthand experience volunteering at one of their mobile markets.

The Dual Solution: Fighting Food Waste and Food Insecurity:

We Don’t Waste has ingeniously found a way to address both food waste and food insecurity simultaneously. By recovering surplus food that would otherwise be discarded, they create mobile markets that provide easy access to fresh and nutritious foods for community members who lack such options. It’s important to note that We Don’t Waste doesn’t collect leftovers; instead, they focus on reclaiming food resulting from overordering or minor imperfections. As an example, at the market we volunteered for, students from Bruce Randolf School donated produce from their hydroponic garden, further amplifying the impact of the initiative.

Volunteering and Witnessing the Impact:

During our time at the mobile market, our task was to assist in setting up and distributing the recovered food. What we encountered left us utterly amazed. Pallets of food were ready for redistribution, demonstrating the vast quantity that We Don’t Waste rescues for those in need. Being a part of this process was truly an honor, and it allowed us to witness firsthand the immense impact that We Don’t Waste has on the community. The experience deepened our understanding of the issues at hand and motivated us to further support their cause.

Getting Involved with We Don’t Waste:

We Don’t Waste offers numerous opportunities for individuals to get involved and make a difference. Whether through volunteering at mobile markets, contributing to food recovery efforts, or supporting their initiatives financially, there are various ways to contribute to their vital work. By visiting their website, wedontwaste.org, you can explore the multitude of ways in which you can support We Don’t Waste’s mission.

Our volunteer experience with We Don’t Waste was a profound and eye-opening one. It shed light on the alarming levels of food waste in the United States and the staggering prevalence of food insecurity in our communities. We Don’t Waste’s innovative approach to tackling these challenges by utilizing surplus food for redistribution is both inspiring and effective. Witnessing the sheer volume of food that is rescued and repurposed for those in need left an indelible impression on us.

We strongly urge everyone to explore the incredible work being done by We Don’t Waste. By addressing the intertwined issues of food waste and food insecurity, they are making a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals and communities. Together, we can combat these problems and create a more equitable and sustainable future. Visit wedontwaste.org to learn more about their initiatives and discover how you can contribute to this vital cause. Let’s stand together and fight against food waste and food insecurity, one recovered meal at a time.