Denver Food Rescue

Producing health equity with Denver neighborhoods

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What we do

Rescue fresh, healthful foods

DFR currently partners with over 50 retailers such as grocery stores, wholesale distributors, and farmers markets to provide regular food rescue services focused on fresh edible produce and highly perishable items that would otherwise end up in landfills. Even backyard gardeners can donate their excess produce through Fresh Food Connect. These donations go to support our weekly No Cost Grocery Programs around the city.

Volunteers are at the heart of our work picking up beautiful, edible whole fruits & veggies that would otherwise be discarded from food vendors across the city and delivering it to neighborhoods that have less access to fresh, healthful foods. Our hyper-direct re-distribution model allows us to rescue more produce, and we utilize bike-power to keep our financial and environmental costs down. Plus bikes are more fun! Last year our volunteers saved over 8 tons of CO2 from being emitted into the atmosphere while riding for DFR!

Distribute healthful foods to Denver neighborhoods

Direct distribution (from food donor to food recipient) ensures that high-quality, perishable foods make it to our community partners quickly. This model not only gets the freshest & most healthful of foods to neighborhoods that experience barriers to fresh produce, but also reduces food waste saving more good food from the landfill.

Denver neighborhoods distribute this food to their residents through No Cost Grocery Programs (NCGPs), which are resident-led programs where community members can “shop” for the fresh, healthy food at no charge, with no paperwork and no questions asked. NCGPs are co-created with existing community organizations like schools, recreation centers, and nonprofits that are already established and trusted within the neighborhood, decreasing transportation barriers. Residents of the NCGP community lead the distribution of rescued food, and many also help with food rescue shifts. This participation decreases stigma of traditional food pantries, empowering each neighborhood to create a program that is appropriate for their culture & community.

Empower people

Since our mission is to improve health equity WITH Denver neighborhoods, it is important that we not only support communities in creating and running No Cost Grocery Programs, but that they also have a voice in how Denver Food Rescue runs. To this end, Denver Food Rescue has a resident-led community board, with a representative from each neighborhood we serve on our Board of Directors. These community members guide the organization and make major decisions regarding our operations, finances, and strategic direction.

 

 

Advocate for better food systems

At Denver Food Rescue, we believe that direct service is important as it meets the immediate needs of our community. However, one of the necessary components of long term social and environmental justice change is policy. We’re committed to achieving health equity in Denver and so we support policies that are evidence-basedfor improving health equity outcomes.

Most recently, we supported the Ordinance 302: Healthy Food for Denver Kids initiative, which was passed! This new law now provides additional funding to healthy food access and education programs for children in Denver.

dfr

Denver Food Rescue
3840 York St Ste #245
Denver, CO 80205

Contact
(720) 510-9139
info@denverfoodrescue.org

Volunteer Line: 303-968-1727 call or text
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denverfoodrescue

Producing health equity WITH Denver neighborhoods. ✨

Denver Food Rescue
We want to hear from you about your favorite leade We want to hear from you about your favorite leaders working towards more sustainable food systems and increased access to healthy foods!
We have multiple car shifts open this weekend in a We have multiple car shifts open this weekend in addition to a bike shift on Sunday! Please call or text 303-968-1727 to sign up for a shift. 

CAR SHIFTS🚗💨
Friday: Pacific Ocean Market TO Spirit of the Sun
Time: 1-2pm 
Expected Weights: 150lbs
Volunteers needed: (1) driver 

Friday: Parker Trader Joe TO Place Bridge
Time: 8:30-10:30
Expected Weights: 200-300lbs
Volunteers needed: (1) driver with a big car

Friday: Parker Trader Joe TO Family Star
Time: 11:30 am-1pm
Expected Weights: 400lbs
Volunteers needed: (1) driver with a truck or 2 drivers

Monday: Central Park Sprouts TO Birdseed
Time: 1-2pm 
Expected Weights: 200lbs
Volunteers needed: (1) driver

Monday: Colfax Sprouts TO Birdseed
Time: 12:30-2:30pm 
Expected Weights: 200lbs
Volunteers needed: (1) driver 

E-BIKE & BIKE SHIFT🚲🚲🌱🌱
Sunday: Mississippi Sprouts TO Place Bridge Academy
Time: 8am-11:30Am
Volunteers needed: (1) cyclist
Expected weights: 400-600lbs

#volunteeropportunity #volunteer #denver #foodrescue #sustainability #feedpeoplenotlandfills
Join us to learn more about our E-bikes and volunt Join us to learn more about our E-bikes and volunteering!
Looking for a way to support your community? We ar Looking for a way to support your community? We are always accepting volunteers for car and bicycle shifts with training every Wednesday evening. No bike? No problem - we have plenty you can use!

¿Busca una forma de apoyar a su comunidad? Siempre aceptamos voluntarios para los turnos de coche y bicicleta con entrenamiento todos los miércoles por la tarde. ¿No tiene bicicleta? No hay problema, ¡tenemos muchas que puede usar! 

#volunteer #denver #sustainability #foodaccess #foodjustice
Globeville’s NCGP has plants today! Flowers and Globeville’s NCGP has plants today! Flowers and vegetables included. Their program starts at today 3:00. They’re located at 4496 Grant Street
Happy pride!! Happy pride!!
Denver Food Rescue works to center the voices of o Denver Food Rescue works to center the voices of our communities and collaboratively promote health equity. We celebrate with you. Happy pride!
A big thank you to everyone who stopped by to visi A big thank you to everyone who stopped by to visit us at #biketoworkday2022 #denverfoodrescue #denver
Come see us at MoBetta Green Juneteenth Freedom Ce Come see us at MoBetta Green Juneteenth Freedom Celebration! mobettagreen #juneteenthcelebration kgnu ridertd denverurbangardens thepeoplespickles inclusiveguide
We at DFR recognize the continued existence and th We at DFR recognize the continued existence and the harm of systemic, institutionalized racism. We celebrate the work of abolitionists and activists in the pursuit of equity and strive to uplift that work. Join us tomorrow to celebrate Juneteenth with mobettagreen with a day of good food, music, and community. See you there!
Denver Deserves Sidewalks! Vote yes for publicly f Denver Deserves Sidewalks! Vote yes for publicly funded sidewalks to make our city more accessible, equitable, and safe for all. Go to denverdeservessidewalks.com to learn more about how you can support the proposed ordinance.
Join us at DFR and our friends drcog_waytogo on Ju Join us at DFR and our friends drcog_waytogo on June 22 for #BikeToWorkDay! Register at BikeToWorkDay.co and be entered to win an electric bike 🚲

#BTWD2022 #denver #sustainability #shiftgears
Hello wonderful gardeners!🧑‍🌾👩‍🌾👨‍🌾🥗🌽🥦🥬🥒🥕
Tomorrow (June 15th) we will start picking up produce from your gardens!  Make sure to login to the app to start donating!!! Please have your produce set out by 10 AM- in a shady spot if possible.

PICK UP SCHEDULE
Mondays: all zip codes
Wednesdays: 80203, 80204, 80207, 80205
Thursdays: 80206, 80209, 80220, 80218
Happy growing season to all! Our Fresh Food Connec Happy growing season to all! Our Fresh Food Connect partnership is officially running again. We are thrilled to help connect the community to home grown foods 🥬🍅🥦🌽
Come and join our team! Now accepting applications Come and join our team! Now accepting applications & resumes for a dedicated and safe driver
Fresh Food Connect and Denver Food Rescue are hiri Fresh Food Connect and Denver Food Rescue are hiring for the summer! We are looking for dedicated youth to support the Fresh Food Connect delivery program. You must be available the duration of the growing season, from June 15 to October 15. To apply or with questions, please email michelle@denverfoodrescue.org

#jobopportunity #summerjob #freshfood #foodrescue
To our most lovely volunteers! We need you! We hav To our most lovely volunteers! We need you! We have multiple shifts open tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday, available for car and e-bicycle pick up. Contact the volunteer line if you are available! 

Friday: Fresh Pack Produce TO Family Star NW
Time: 11:30-1PM
Expected weight: 200lbs
Volunteers needed: (1) driver

Friday: Colfax Sprouts TO Family Star
Time: 1-2 PM
Expected Weight: 200lbs
Volunteers needed: (1) driver

Friday: REPLATE TO Spirit of The Sun
Time: 1:30-2:30 PM (can be done in less than an hour)
Expected weight: 50lbs
Volunteers needed: (1) driver (can be done by Ebikes)
We are so happy to be working in partnership with We are so happy to be working in partnership with SloHi Bike to share the great news about the Electric Bike rebate being offered by the City of Denver. Throughout the summer we will be offering the community opportunities to try out the bikes and assist with the application process.

Denver eBike Rebate Overview:
Starting April 22, City of Denver residents will be eligible to instantly save $400 off any eBike and $900 off any e-CargoBike. Income-qualified residents may also qualify for a $1,200 instant rebate.
Personal Eligibility:
This instant rebate is offered to all City of Denver residents over the age of 16. Proof of a physical Denver address is required. Full eligibility details are available at the bottom of this page. 
eBike Eligibility:
All bikes stocked and sold by SloHi are eligible, with the exception of a few full-suspension eMTBs. Our staff is happy to review your needs and budget in order to make the best recommendation for you and your family. 

#ebike #denver #sustainability #foodrescue #foodjustice #foodsovereignty
Join us today for the opening of Andrea's No Cost Join us today for the opening of Andrea's No Cost Grocery Market from 2-4pm at Casa De Rosal 735 Vrain St.
Come see us at the denverurbangardens spring plant Come see us at the denverurbangardens spring plant sale, sign up to be one our our volunteer bike couriers for our food rescue program, register with freshfoodconnect and we will pick up your excess produce and delivery it to 15 neighborhoods across with city. 
DJ Cavem is providing to groves, samecafe is cooking up the food, and littlemanicecream is scooping the best icecream.
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Denver Food RescueFollow

Hyper-local, direct redistribution of surplus whole fresh fruits & vegetables to resident led No Cost Grocery Programs in Denver.

Denver Food Rescue
DenverFoodRescuDenver Food Rescue@DenverFoodRescu·
30 Jun

We have multiple car shifts open this weekend in addition to a bike shift on Sunday! Please call or text 303-968-1727 to sign up for a shift.

Reply on Twitter 1542620089782267904Retweet on Twitter 1542620089782267904Like on Twitter 1542620089782267904
DenverFoodRescuDenver Food Rescue@DenverFoodRescu·
29 Jun

Join us this weekend to learn more about our e-bikes and volunteering!

register at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe0KU-W5iPSchzqhGSVtwCYw2xTOdGeuTg_K-fVuWgKlLkc_g/viewform

Reply on Twitter 1542190396121288704Retweet on Twitter 15421903961212887043Like on Twitter 15421903961212887043

If you need groceries, check out our partner no cost grocery programs and also our public food programs.

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Heart & Hand

Heart & Hand is dedicated to improving the lives of at risk youth and their families. Through high quality out of school time programming, we empower all children and families with the skills, information, and resources they need to create and realize their dreams. By investing in consistent and compassionate support for our children and families, we strive to disrupt the cycle of poverty and close the opportunity gap.

Heart & Hand serves 100, low-income youth in Denver’s 5 Points neighborhood. What makes Heart & Hand unique is our model of long term, intensive support. Our students come day after day, year after year, because they are known and nurtured in the Heart & Hand family. Daily programming ensures students develop the resources that research shows are critical for long term success: relationships with trusted adults, supportive peer networks, a safe after school environment, academic support, empowerment programming, and social-emotional skill building.

Heart & Hand families are grateful to Denver Food Rescue for the supply of fresh fruits and vegetables we receive on Wednesdays at our after school program site. This nutritious bounty is especially valuable to our many food insecure families.

Program Details:
Open to?Heart & Hand families

The Cope Club

As one of the most well-known youth organizations in the country, Boys & Girls Clubs provide young people with The Cope Club serves nearly 1,000 members each year and participates in a variety of community events. The Club also features the Teen Center equipped with computer stations, books and research resources, and serves as a quiet place for teens to concentrate on their studies and have fun. They have had a No Cost Grocery Program since 2015.

Program Details:
Open to Cope Boys & Girls Club families
808 Inca St, Denver, CO 80204
Mondays 3pm to 9pm

Boys & Girls Clubs

As one of the most well-known youth organizations in the country, Boys & Girls Clubs provide young people with opportunities to engage in programs that help them achieve academic success, take charge of their health by building healthy habits that will stick with them throughout their lives, and foster the skills they need to become leaders in their communities.The Vickers Boys & Girls Club provides services to young people in the area, providing a place from them to learn, grow and succeed in life. They have had a No Cost Grocery Program set up for youth and their families who participate in the program since September of 2014.

Program details:
Open to Vickers Boys & Girl Club parents & families

Clayton Early Learning

A major proving ground for all things early childhood, Clayton Early Learning is Colorado?s leading catalyst in providing early care and education, and collaborating with others to improve these important services. Our work focuses on ensuring optimal development during the critical birth-to-5 period for all children, especially those of limited opportunities. We succeed in closing learning gaps of disadvantaged children through a powerful model unique to Clayton Early Learning that harnesses the synergy of four dynamic initiatives ? research, practice, training, and advocacy.

Specifically, the Food for Families committee at Clayton Early Learning was created as a result of high levels of food insecurity among families we serve. Our committee aims to provide nutritious food for all families and staff, as well as nutrition education and cooking skills. Our partnership with Denver Food Rescue allows staff and families to access healthy fruits and vegetables, to trade new recipes with others, and encourages them to try new foods!

Program details
Open to Clayton Early Learning families

 

The GrowHaus

The GrowHaus is a nonprofit indoor farm, marketplace and educational center in Denver’s Elyria-Swansea neighborhood. ?Our vision is a world where all communities have the means to nourish themselves, and our mission is to create a community-driven, neighborhood-based food system by serving as a hub for food distribution, production, education, and economic development.

The GrowHaus partners with DFR to provide an educational grocery program every Monday. In this innovative community- led program, participants engage in a creative cooking class, and strengthen community ties by sharing a delicious meal together, all alongside the free distribution of healthy food. Our MOVIL (mobile) grocery program delivers these free grocery items to nearly 20 home-bound neighbors each week (usually by bike!). These programs also provide job opportunities for several residents of our neighborhood.

Program?Details:
Open to the public

The GrowHaus 4751 York St, Denver, CO 80216
Mondays at 11:00 am

Birdseed Collective

Birdseed Collective is a small community & arts non-profit organization directed by two former long-time residents of Globeville. One of their goals is to create opportunities for positive community and artistic programs in the Globeville neighborhood and Denver more generally. With years of experience in implementing many projects and programs, Birdseed Collective and volunteers have committed to running a weekly resident-based food distribution program called ?The Globeville Free Healthy Food Distribution and Preservation Program.? Through collaboration with Denver Food Rescue who redistributes the healthy food to Globeville, our Monday distribution program at the Globeville Recreation Center is going on it?s 3rd strong year.

Hunger is a sensitive issue and must be handled with compassion and in a non-intrusive environment. With a culturally sensitive and education-focused approach, participants receive pounds of healthy food weekly, learn about and try new healthy food options, learn food preservation techniques, and build community. Also through this program, 4 residents are now employed and are educated in job skills which they will use in the future. In 2015, our program served 387 unduplicated participants, and distributed 38,684 pounds of healthy food. This does not include fresh donations from Rainbo Bread and Raquelita?s Tortillas. Many goals for the program have been achieved such as hiring 4 residents and other staff, adding food preservation and expanding on our mission of ?The Art of Healthy Living.?

Program details:
Open to the Public
Globeville Rec. Center: 4496 Grant St. Denver, CO 80216
Mondays at 3:00 pm 4:00 pm