ABOUT US
We envision a future where good food will not be wasted and negatively impact the environment. Where food-insecure families and individuals can thrive without worrying about where their next meal will come from. And where excess food has an easy and direct line to communities in need.
Our Mission
We increase food access and protect the planet by rescuing and repurposing food, while educating and advocating to increase food security and decrease food waste.
Our Vision
Food goes to people, not landfills, and is accessible to all.
See our work In action
HOW IT WORKS
Rather than sending food to the landfill, We Don’t Waste believes that good food should feed people. It’s a relatively simple concept, with a big impact! As our tagline notes…when we save food, we get to protect the planet and feed people!
Saving Food
More than 50 million pounds of food recovered since 2009
Feeding People
Where does the food go?
Protecting the Planet
Since 2009, we have prevented the release of 97 million lbs of co2e – saving the emissions created by driving a car over 113 million miles
Mobile Food Markets:
In winter 2019, We Don’t Waste began partnering with organizations located in food deserts by bringing a Mobile Food Market to their sites. Currently, We Don’t Waste hosts eight markets a month, serving thousands of people.
Community-based hunger-relief organizations:
We Don’t Waste serves over 100 hunger-relief organizations, ranging from soup kitchens, to school food pantries, shelters, and food banks. Agencies report that they save an average of $27,000 each year on food because of We Don’t Waste.
History &
Initiatives
We Don’t Waste began in 2009 with one man, a vision, and a Volvo. Noticing how much good food was going to waste, founder Arlan Preblud decided to take it upon himself to deliver the excess to local food banks.
We Don’t Waste has grown into a full operation led by Arlan’s passion and vision. In 2023, we moved into an 30,000-square-foot Food Recovery Hub. With a fleet of refrigerated trucks (a special place for Volvo’s still in our heart) and a growing staff — our impact continues to grow across the Denver metro region.
We’re proud to lead initiatives where we can connect with our community personally and help food go further. Check out what we’re up to and learn about how you can get involved!
All-time Servings recovered and distributed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee for We Don’t Waste’s services?
We Don’t Waste does not charge any fees to either its food donors or recipient agencies. We also require our nonprofit partners to offer food free-of-charge to their participants.
Does We Don’t Waste pick up food from individuals?
We Don’t Waste does not send drivers to pick up food from individual households, however we are able to accept (sealed and unused) donations from households that are able to deliver to our distribution center. If you have food that you’d like to donate, please email us at food@wedontwaste.org and we’ll get back to you.
What are my liabilities with regard to the donation of food?
The Federal Good Samaritan Act and Food Donation Improvement Act, along with Colorado’s Good Samaritan Act of the State of Colorado protect all donors so long as they follow food safety requirements. You can read more about the Good Samaritan Act on our food donation page.
Does We Don’t Waste pick up excess food from buffet tables?
For food safety reasons, We Don’t Waste, only recovers food that has not been put out for public consumption.
Does We Don’t Waste pick up food at night?
Because of logistical issues, We Don’t Waste does not pick up at night, except in special circumstances.
Is there a location where I can drop off food to be distributed by We Don’t Waste?
Yes. Please contact us for more info and to schedule a delivery! Call 720.943.2690 or email us at food@wedontwaste.org.
Is there a limit to the quantity of food you can collect and distribute?
To provide appropriate quantities to our agency partners, We Don’t Waste requires a minimum of 300 pounds to send a refrigerated truck. We can also send volunteers to pick up smaller donations. Please call 720.943.2690 or email us at food@wedontwaste.org to discuss further so we can send the right vehicle for your needs.
Do you deliver food to individuals?
We serve individuals at our regular Mobile Food Markets. We also provide food to community-based agencies that, in turn, provide food to individuals, as they deem appropriate. If you are hungry or otherwise in need of assistance, please call United Way’s 211 “Get Connected, Get Help” 2-1-1, or reach out to Hunger Free Colorado at (855)-855-4626.
How can we partner with We Don’t Waste?
You can find information on how to partner with We Don’t Waste on our Food Donor page or the Food Recipient page.
What areas of Denver do you serve?
We Don’t Waste primarily serves the Denver Metropolitan area, but does serve other areas along the front range.
Where can I find information on We Don’t Waste’s financials?
We Don’t Waste releases annual reports every year with updated financial information. You can review our most recent financials, form 990’s, and annual reports along with information about our commitment to accountability here.
Our team
Our Board
Shannon Garcia-Lewis
Board President
Chief People Officer, Pella Windows and Doors of Denver & Northern Colorado
Allison Fries
Board Vice President
CEO, ResultsLab
Bruce Kirchhoff
Board Secretary
Retired VP, General Counsel and Secretary, Royal Gold, Inc.
Clare Wilson
Board Treasurer
Vice President, Treasurer, Sekisui House U.S., Inc
Bud Bartholomew
Board Director
Project Coordinator, Pella Windows of Denver & Northern Colorado
Marty Cohn
Board Director
National Director of Client Engagement, Sheppard Mullin
Samson Eberhart
Board Director
Director of Social Impact, PNC Bank
Leslie Hagele
Board Director
Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility, CoBank
Charles Jordy
Board Director
CEO, Jordy Construction
Paula McClain
Board Director
Principal, BPM Global
Lisana Muñoz
Board Director
Director of Human Services, Broomfield County
Arlan Preblud
Founder
Emily Snooks
Board Director
Director of Public Relations, Elevance Health
Jessica Trowbridge
Board Director
Corporate Affairs, King Soopers/City Market
Interested in joining the board of directors?
Please fill out the information form below, and a member of our team will reach out to confirm your interest and address any questions you may have. This is not an official application. Thank you for expressing your interest!