How a Denver Nonprofit is Fighting Hunger by Reducing Food Waste: Join the Movement!

In 2009, Arlan Preblud made a big change in his life. He left a successful legal career in Denver and started collecting food that would otherwise go to waste. He loaded up his Volvo and delivered the food to local food banks. This journey led to the founding of We Don’t Waste, a nonprofit dedicated to tackling hunger and food waste. Now, the organization has a fleet of refrigerated trucks, a dedicated staff, and a vast facility, serving over 100 hunger relief groups in Denver and redistributing millions of servings of food.

Did you know that nearly 40% of all food produced in the United States is wasted? That’s over 91 million tons of food! In Colorado, about one in nine people face hunger, and this number is growing. The percentage of Coloradans experiencing food insecurity rose from 2021 to 2023. Many struggle to afford enough food, highlighting the urgent need for food assistance.

In just 2023, We Don’t Waste recovered nearly 23 million servings of food, which helped prevent over 10 million pounds of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere. By rescuing surplus food, the organization not only helps those in need but also fights climate change.

The impact of this work is seen in various communities. For example, the Heart and Hand Center in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood serves families with after-school programs and meals. They rely on contributions from We Don’t Waste. Angie Neslin, their program manager, shared how essential these food donations are for families trying to stay in their homes.

We Don’t Waste collects excess food from all corners of the food system—bakeries, farms, supermarkets, and event venues. This diverse supply means they can accommodate different community needs. Businesses also benefit from donating food by reducing waste management costs and finding a meaningful way to give back.

This year, volunteers began using an app to pick up small food donations that aren’t practical for the larger trucks. In the first few months of 2024, they completed 219 rescues, extending their reach even further.

The organization’s focus goes beyond simply collecting food. They truly aim to match donations with the needs of local agencies. They ask for feedback from partners to ensure the food they distribute is useful and appropriate for the communities they serve.

BeyondHome, a transitional housing community for families in need, relies on We Don’t Waste for a portion of their food supply. The director shared how these donations save thousands of dollars and provide families with nutritious food they otherwise couldn’t afford. Many families experience joy trying new foods, as they once thought they couldn’t afford such treats.

We Don’t Waste also connects communities through farmers’ markets. They hold events in areas where access to fresh food is limited. These markets offer much-needed food to residents of food deserts in the Denver Metro area.

Despite their successes, We Don’t Waste faces challenges. There’s a waiting list of around 45 nonprofits eager to receive food. Staffing and volunteer shortages during busy market days also strain their resources. However, they are committed to expanding their offerings and recently moved into a much larger facility, with plans to introduce classes on cooking and nutrition.

Preblud’s original vision remains at the heart of We Don’t Waste. They strive to connect surplus food with those in need, making a meaningful impact in both local and global contexts.

Food justice is critical. As Endres puts it, “In a society where we have so much, people shouldn’t be food insecure.” There’s still much work to do, but each meal saved is a step toward a more equitable community.