The Feed

Black food sovereignty is at the heart of modern Juneteenth celebrations, reflecting a continued fight for liberation through food, land, and culture. Juneteenth marks a delayed freedom, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, the last enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, finally learned they were free. Today, that legacy lives on not just in remembrance, but in action, as communities reclaim power, dignity, and access in all forms, including the right to food.

Across the country, Black-led food justice organizations are reshaping our food systems by reclaiming agricultural traditions, honoring culturally rooted foodways, and building mutual aid networks that prioritize community care over profit. These efforts are more than acts of service, they are acts of resistance and empowerment.

At We Don’t Waste, we believe food sovereignty is essential to equity. By rescuing surplus food and ensuring it reaches nonprofits serving historically marginalized communities, we stand in solidarity with these justice-driven movements, supporting a future where access to nourishing and culturally relevant food is not a privilege but a right. We also acknowledge the systemic barriers many people of color have faced within institutional structures, including food access. 

Reclaiming Land and Power Through Black Food Sovereignty

For generations, Black Americans have been systematically denied land ownership and access to the agricultural economy they once built. Today, organizations like Soul Fire Farm in New York and Farming While Black are leading the charge to reverse that narrative, training Black and Brown farmers, promoting agroecology, and advancing Black food sovereignty by returning land stewardship to those long pushed out of it.

In Colorado, groups like Black Food Sovereignty Coalition Denver are working to cultivate community gardens, reclaim neighborhood plots, and expand education around culturally rooted agriculture. These movements aren’t just about growing food, they’re about growing freedom.

Honoring Cultural Foodways in the Fight for Black Food Sovereignty

From okra and collards to gumbo and grits, food has always been central to Black identity, resilience, and storytelling. Organizations like The Black Feminist Project are preserving and celebrating these foodways while also addressing food apartheid and generational trauma. A food apartheid describes the institutional racism and use of political power to perpetuate food access and funding inequality. 

By ensuring access to culturally relevant foods, those that resonate with heritage, faith, and community, food justice initiatives reinforce the idea that liberation also looks like a dinner table where everyone sees themselves reflected in the meal.

On Juneteenth, many celebrations will feature red foods originating from the cultures of the enslaved Yoruba and Kongo people, who were brought to Texas in the 19th century. The color red can represent power, sacrifice, and transformation in both of those cultures.

In the present day, barbecue and adjacent sides are often the go-to food for Juneteenth celebrations, but this tradition is more than just a festive meal. Barbecue is deeply rooted in Southern history and is recognized as a communal act of cooking and gathering.

As Texas Monthly’s barbecue editor Daniel Vaughn notes, 19th-century newspaper reports often described entire communities coming together at local barbecue pits or open grounds to prepare and share food in honor of Juneteenth. The slow-cooked meats and shared preparation reflect not just flavor, but the collective spirit and cultural pride that define the holiday.

BBQ sides also have a metaphoric meaning; black-eyed peas and pork represent wealth, collard greens (or any dish using leafy vegetables) are said to bring good fortune, and corn symbolizes gold. 

Mutual Aid as Liberation

During the pandemic and beyond, mutual aid networks filled the gaps left by traditional systems. Black-led coalitions organized free fridges, meal deliveries, and redistribution efforts that directly supported families in need, no red tape and no strings attached. This community-first approach echoes the spirit of Juneteenth: people taking care of people in the absence of systemic justice.

These systems thrive on shared responsibility, collective power, and the belief that everyone deserves to eat, not just survive, but thrive.

At We Don’t Waste,  we rescue fresh, high-quality food that would otherwise be discarded and redirect it to a network of over 100 nonprofit partners. Through our Mobile Food Markets, we deliver food directly to neighborhoods that have been historically underserved, offering produce, pantry staples, and proteins without barriers. We strive to distribute food that aligns with community preferences and dietary needs, honoring the cultural relevance of what we serve.

Food justice is not just about saving food; it’s about who has access to it, what kind of food is available, and who holds the power in the process. As we reflect on Juneteenth, we commit to building a food system rooted in Black food sovereignty, equity, dignity, and justice.

Read our other Juneteenth blogs here, and dive into a more historical retelling of January 1, 1863, here. 

This Juneteenth, consider donating to or volunteering with organizations like We Don’t Waste that are working to ensure equitable food access in historically underserved communities. You can also support Black-owned farms, restaurants, and food businesses that are preserving foodways, reclaiming land, and feeding their communities with care.

Nonprofits are deeply ingrained in the fabric of American life, and we often overlook the history of nonprofits and how their origin story began. Whether it’s a community health clinic, an after-school arts program, or a food rescue organization, these institutions do more than just provide services, they reflect a unique sense of humanity. Understanding why nonprofits exist requires a look at how the nonprofit model has evolved over time. From religious organizations to the rise of government aid and welfare systems, tracing the history of nonprofits and philanthropy reveals just how deeply this spirit of giving is embedded in human culture, and how it continues to grow and adapt today.

The origins of Philanthropy: 

Giving back is not a new phenomenon. Philanthropy originates from Ancient Greece, literally translating to the “love of humanity”. In ancient civilizations, the Greeks and Romans would come together to support the less fortunate, fund public works, and promote education. As societies progressed through the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance, the role of charitable organizations began to formalize. Religious institutions played a pivotal role in this evolution, as churches and monasteries provided care for the sick, education for the young, and support for the poor. Now, 9.9% of all private sector jobs are held by nonprofit organizations, with 1 in 10 working adults working in the sector.

In tracing the history of nonprofits in the United States, the first widely recognized modern example is the Peabody Education Fund. Its mission was to improve education in the post-Civil War South, particularly for poor white communities and formerly enslaved individuals. While the Emancipation Proclamation had legally ended slavery, deep racial and economic inequalities remained, especially in access to education.

Industry, Inequality, and the Rise of Organized Giving:

Understanding the history of nonprofits helps us see how social challenges have long driven innovation in the nonprofit sector. In the late 19th century, many wealthy men began forming voluntary associations to promote causes like public education and civic development. These efforts helped lay the groundwork for the nonprofit model we know today. Some of the earliest American universities, such as Harvard and Cornell, were established through such philanthropic endeavors. At the time, higher education was tuition-free, exclusively for white men, and operated independently of government involvement. 

As America recovered from the Civil War, it began to reshape itself through the rise of the Industrial Revolution. Cities swelled with people seeking opportunity in the booming factory economy, but this rapid growth came at a cost. The wealth gap between industrial capitalists and the working class widened dramatically. Factory conditions were often dangerous and inhumane; long hours, low wages, and child labor were common.

The influx of people into urban centers also brought severe social challenges: overcrowded housing, widespread poverty, and unsafe work environments. In response, a new wave of nonprofit organizations began to emerge, driven by a mission to address these urgent needs. These early efforts laid the foundation for modern social services, offering aid and advocacy for the most vulnerable in a rapidly changing America.

Andrew Carnegie rose to immense wealth through the steel industry during the Industrial Revolution. Like many industrialists of the time, Carnegie profited from grueling labor practices; his mills were notorious for demanding twelve-hour shifts, seven days a week, under hazardous conditions. Yet, despite his labor record, Carnegie is often recognized as one of the first modern philanthropists.

Believing that wealth should be used to uplift society, Carnegie devoted much of his fortune to expanding access to knowledge and opportunity. His primary focus was education, particularly through the establishment of free public libraries. At a time when public libraries were rare, Carnegie championed the idea that everyone, regardless of class, should have access to books and learning. Starting in 1881, he and the Carnegie Corporation invested more than $56 million to fund the construction of 2,509 libraries across the English-speaking world, fundamentally transforming access to education for generations to come.

Carnegie was also one of the first capitalists to publish and promote the idea that the rich have an obligation to promote public good. In his book, The Gospel of Wealth, Carnegie emphasizes that wealth should be used to improve the lives of others, and that “The man who dies thus rich, dies disgraced.” 

While philanthropic efforts during this era were undoubtedly impactful, they often came with problematic caveats. Many wealthy donors believed in supporting lower-income and vulnerable populations, but not all agreed on who was worthy of that support. As Carnegie famously wrote in The Gospel of Wealth, “It were better for mankind that the millions of the rich were thrown into the sea than so spent as to encourage the slothful, the drunken, the unworthy.”

This mindset continues to raise concerns among today’s nonprofit leaders and charitable organizations. It gives wealthy donors disproportionate control over where resources go, allowing them to define who is “deserving” of help based on their own values rather than the actual needs of communities. As a result, it can reinforce harmful stereotypes about poverty and take away the power of communities to advocate for themselves or influence the kind of support they receive.

Still, Carnegie played a key role in shaping the culture of giving that underpins modern philanthropy. Despite their flaws, the foundations built by industrial titans had a lasting impact on fields like education, science, public health, and the arts. Over time, their collaborative efforts helped push philanthropy toward more structured and inclusive models. These developments paved the way for future reforms, such as the Revenue Act of 1909, which officially recognized tax-exempt status for charitable, religious, and educational organizations and introduced the “no private inurement” rule to prevent personal profit from nonprofit funds. 

From Government Support to Social Movements:

While early philanthropy was largely driven by wealthy individuals and private foundations, the Great Depression marked a major turning point in the history of nonprofits, shifting the responsibility of social welfare more directly onto the federal government. In response, President Franklin D. Roosevelt launched the New Deal, a sweeping set of programs aimed at providing relief to working-class and low-income Americans. Throughout his first presidency, FDR passed a multitude of bills designed to lift the country out of crisis. From the Civilian Conservation Corps, an initiative employing young men in rural and park development, to the National Labor Relations Act and the creation of Social Security, these policies significantly reshaped the landscape of nonprofit and philanthropic work in America.

As the New Deal redefined the government’s role in social welfare, the global crises that followed further expanded the scope and significance of nonprofit organizations. Both world wars had profound impacts on the sector, shifting its focus and scale. During these periods, nonprofit efforts centered around medical care, food distribution, and psychological support. In particular, World War II highlighted the global importance of nonprofit work, as millions were displaced and entire economies destabilized. These challenges transformed public perception, positioning nonprofits not just as charitable actors but as critical partners in addressing complex political and humanitarian crises. 

Nonprofits Today. Collective Action for a Better Future:

The shifting in class consciousness seen in the 1950s and the latter half of the 20th century brought about a new type of nonprofit work, one more dedicated to fighting for the social justice of marginalized communities. As the civil rights movement began to take hold across America, many nonprofit organizations began to build advocacy into their work. Organizations such as the NAACP and Amnesty International emerged as powerful voices advocating for marginalized communities and human rights. The growing awareness of racial discrimination, gender inequality, and environmental degradation sparked a cultural movement not just within the nonprofit sector but throughout America. Nonprofits began to engage in lobbying efforts, public education campaigns, and grassroots mobilization to raise awareness and influence policy decisions. 

As we reflect on the history of nonprofits and their role in shaping social change, We Don’t Waste remains committed to carrying that legacy forward. Presently, nonprofits across America fight, advocate, and work to create a more equitable, fair, and inclusive world. Innovation and digital technologies have made connection and communication easier than ever before, strengthening the power of community support and activism. As more and more people need food access across America, We Don’t Waste recognizes that we cannot do it alone. Creating strong partnerships with other local nonprofits and businesses, as well as advocating for better food access policy across the state, will help ensure we are creating as much change as possible. 

Meaningful change has always been driven by the power of people. We’re honored to stand alongside our communities, listening, learning, and working together to build a better future for all. But we know we can’t do it alone. Help us make a difference in our Denver communities and put a dent in the 40% of food waste. 

Make an impact: Volunteer with us or donate today. Our communities need us more than ever.

Kyle Endres, Executive Director of We Don’t Waste, shares his insights on leadership, community building, and the importance of open-mindedness in running a nonprofit organization.

We sat down with Kyle Endres, the Executive Director of We Don’t Waste, to learn more about his leadership and experience in taking over the nonprofit organization over the past year. From economic hurdles to political uncertainty, working in the nonprofit sector often means navigating challenges beyond the organization’s control. Learning to manage these ups and downs is an essential skill for any leader in the field. Hear from Kyle on his experience, advice, and leadership:

Tell us a little bit about what led you to We Don’t Waste:

Kyle: I started at We Don’t Waste in 2017 in search of furthering my own experience in nonprofit development. I attended CSU and got my undergraduate degree in journalism. Before coming to We Don’t Waste, I spent some time working in Peru teaching English, then came back to Denver and went into helping Colorado Meal Services and Metro Caring with community outreach and development/fundraising. 

How did the opportunity to step into the Executive Director Role come about? 

Kyle: Well, I had been working at We Don’t Waste for around seven years doing development, Arlan was looking to retire sometime during the Summer and he wanted to get us into the new building and kind of get all that squared away. At the beginning of last year, Arlan set his date, which was June 30, 2024. At that point, the board, who had known this was coming, started their search, and I was fortunate to be the one they picked. 

Were you nervous to step into a leadership position? Did you feel ready? 

Kyle: I think I was ready. I had the benefit of being here and seeing the growth. Just for context, when I started back in 2017 I was employee number six, and now we’re at 27. I was just with the organization through kind of a formative time, and so from that perspective, I felt like I was ready. I knew the organization, I knew the team, I knew the donors.

I think the transition was very successful. Anytime you have a founder who was the face of the organization, it’s a big shift, right? It’s not just kind of your normal executive transition, because you have this founder who’s been here for so long and was so kind of synonymous with We Don’t Waste. But again, I feel like I had a leg up on all that. I’ve been part of so many decisions that we made, and from that perspective, it felt as kind of natural and smooth as it could be. But, you know, I’m learning stuff every day, there’s a whole side of the organization that I wasn’t intimately involved in because I was so focused on the development and fundraising side.

How do you manage imposter syndrome as someone who’s been in this role for almost a year, and like, stepping into it, was it harder to, kind of like quiet that part of your brain down?

Kyle: I think it’s always there a little bit, but I really lean on my team. I know I don’t know everything.  I think, even with the big decisions, the hard decisions, having the right process and talking it through and not making a knee jerk reaction, is key. You’re going to come across decisions that nobody’s dealt with before. But again, I think if you can talk it through and kind of come to a consensus on what is the best decision or the best way forward and lean on other people’s experience and expertise, you can kind of beat back that imposter syndrome a little.

How would you describe your leadership style, and how do you think it has evolved since stepping into executive director?

Kyle: I like to think I’m collaborative. Knowing that I don’t have to have all the answers, which kind of comes back to what we were talking about before. I don’t need to know the perfect answer to every question.  Right now, we’re trying to decide if we’re gonna do a new roof for solar panels. I’m not an expert on this stuff, I don’t have solar at home. I don’t know anything about this, but I’m gonna take advantage of the resources that I have to find out the right answer. You can’t know everything about everything. So again, just bringing in the right people to help you, and sometimes that’s within the organization, sometimes that’s from outside the organization, even if I have a vision for how I think something should go, hearing out other people and trying to get either their buy-in or their pushback. I think it’s all about the process of learning and hearing new ideas before you make that final decision. 

What lessons did you learn from Arlan’s leadership? What are you carrying forward, or what are you doing differently?

Kyle: I think Arlan is great at articulating his vision, and I want to do that more. We have different personalities, I can be more reserved and perhaps quiet. In many cases, that’s good, but in some cases, you need to just be out there and tell people the vision. I think I have taken a lot from him, and I’ve learned a lot from him over the years.

 However, we’re very different generations, and I am trying to bring some of my experience and generational differences to work experiences. Like how do older and younger generations work together? How do they operate? How do you navigate hybrid work or sick policy? I think, trying to bring a different perspective to some of that stuff, and again, leaning on the team and trying to get feedback before kind of making a decision.

What piece of advice would you give someone stepping into a leadership role for the first time?

Kyle: Talk to as many people as you can and learn as much as you can from them. Because again, even for me, having been here and doing development for a long time, I was still putting on a new hat. I wanted to hear everyone’s thoughts on ideas, policies, and new projects, and the same thing for the people that I hadn’t worked as closely with in the past in terms of things like operations or programs. I think just talking to as many people as you can, getting as much feedback as you can, being open to that feedback, and trying to give people opportunities. 

I think the open door policy is something that’s used a lot, I hope that people, like, really, can come in and talk to you about anything. It could be something personal, it could be something related to their work. 

How do you keep your team motivated?

Kyle: We have this kind of built-in bonus when it comes to motivation, because our team is genuinely passionate about what we do and the mission we’re working toward. But you can’t just rely on that and assume it’s enough. So, we’ve been intentional about improving things like our benefits package and pay structures.

That said, a lot of it really comes back to collaboration and fostering a strong sense of community. Studies show that people don’t usually leave just because of pay. That can be part of it, sure, but often it’s about culture or the quality of supervision.

So we focus on creating a collaborative environment where people feel heard, where they have real autonomy over their roles. They’re not being micromanaged, and I think that makes a huge difference. The thing about culture is, it’s not just one thing, it’s all these pieces working together. That’s what shapes the experience and helps with retention.

And above all, we try to stay open to feedback. We might not be able to act on everything, but we’re always willing to have the conversation.

What impact do you hope to leave, not on just the organization, but the people within it?

Kyle: I just hope that people feel for however long they work here, that they have made a difference, and that the organization positioned them to do that. So it’s not really about my impact, it’s about our impact, while I’m involved and after. You hope that some of the stuff you implement gets continued, you know, for the foreseeable future, or improved upon. 

Looking back, what advice would you give to your 25-year-old self?

Kyle:  I took a job, won’t say which one, that paid less because it offered something I really wanted to learn. If you can afford to, be open to opportunities like that. Look for roles that might not offer big short-term rewards but can lead to long-term growth.

When I transitioned into a development role, it completely changed the trajectory of my career. So, my advice would be: don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone if it’s something you’re curious about or feel called to do.

For me, I wanted to move forward in the nonprofit world and eventually take on leadership roles. I knew gaining development experience would be key to that. I was in a position where I could sacrifice a little in the short term, and it absolutely paid off in the long run.

So to my 25-year-old self, I’d just say: don’t hesitate. Take the risks that might set you up for something greater down the line.

UPDATE 4/29/25: The House passed legislation sponsored by Representative Lorena García that would refer two ballot measures to Colorado voters regarding the continuation of the Healthy School Meals for All program. HB25-1274 passed by a vote of 40-22.

House Bill 1274, recently passed by the Colorado House this April, was introduced by the General Assembly to strengthen and expand funding for the state’s Healthy School Meals for All program, ensuring more students have access to nutritious, no-cost meals. This initiative, established following the voter-approved Proposition FF in 2022, provides free, nutritious meals to all public school students. The bill proposes two ballot measures for the November 2025 election to address funding challenges and enhance program sustainability.​

Broken up into three ballot measures, HB-1274 sets out to reform how excess revenue is handled for high-income earners and tax deductions:

Ballot Measure 1: Retention of Excess Revenue

The first measure seeks voter approval to allow the state to retain $26.3 million in revenue that exceeds the estimates provided in the Proposition FF ballot information booklet. Under the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR), such excess revenue would typically be refunded. If approved, the state would maintain current income tax deduction limits for high-income earners, ensuring continued funding for the meal program. If rejected, the state would refund the $26.3 million to individuals with federal taxable incomes of $300,000 or more who claimed significant deductions, and the deduction limits would be adjusted accordingly.​

Ballot Measure 2: Additional Funding Through Tax Deduction Adjustments

The second measure proposes increasing state revenue by $95 million annually by further limiting income tax deductions for individuals earning $300,000 or more. The standard and itemized deduction limits would be reduced to $1,000 for single filers and $2,000 for joint filers. The additional revenue would be allocated to the Healthy School Meals for All program, supporting its expansion and sustainability. If voters reject this measure, the proposed deduction limits would not be implemented.​

Beyond funding adjustments, HB25-1274 includes provisions to enhance the meal program’s effectiveness and community involvement:​

Local Food Purchasing Grants: Modifications to grant distribution aim to support small and medium-sized farms and ranches, promoting the use of Colorado-grown, raised, or processed products in school meals.​

Advisory Committees: The bill encourages the formation of advisory committees comprising students and parents to provide input on meal selections, ensuring cultural relevance and appeal.​

Wage Increases for Food Service Workers: Funds may be allocated to increase wages or provide stipends for school food service employees directly involved in meal preparation and service.​

Technical Assistance and Education Grants: Additional grants would support training and education related to local food procurement and meal preparation.​

The Healthy School Meals for All program has seen significant participation, with all 190 eligible school food authorities opting in and a more than 30% increase in meal participation compared to the previous school year. The proposed measures in HB25-1274 aim to build on this success by ensuring stable funding and enhancing program components.​

With this Bill moving through the House, Colorado is one step closer to protecting the right to food access for all of our school-aged children. The House sponsor, Rep. Lorena Garcia, helped pass this legislation and advocated for food access and the protection of Colorado farmers. 

Another successful Food Waste Prevention Week has come and gone! We hope you took some time to join our mission of being #FoodWasteHeros, but just in case you didn’t see, were unplugging or busy this week. . .here’s what you missed. 

Monday kicked off our Food Waste Prevention Week with a quick quiz that tested you on your food waste knowledge. “Eat or Toss?” tests your abilities to recognize food that has gone bad vs. food that may just be a little… ugly. When the aesthetics of our food and life trump the actual value of nutrition and hunger, we can lose sight of the impacts of food waste. Keep testing your knowledge with more quizzes on EatOrToss.com, and follow @eatortoss on Instagram!

Tuesday, we took to social media and shared the importance of meal prepping and meal planning in reducing household food waste. Overstimulating food needs is one of the leading causes of household food waste, but you can use the Meal Planning Generator on savethefood.com/guestimator to reduce event and family meal waste! 

Wednesday was all about date labels. One of the largest misconceptions of date labels is when it is necessary to throw out your food. “Best by” and “Sell by” dates don’t actually reflect when the food is not safe to eat, but rather when the food is past its “peak quality”. Using your senses to decide if a food is safe is the best way to reduce your unnecessary food waste. A quick smell or visual check can go a long way in detecting if your food is actually spoiled or just past its “peak”. 

Thursday brought us some freezer and fridge storage tips to ensure your food can stay as fresh as possible for as long as possible! By freezing your leftovers, you not only ensure the longevity of your food but also ease the stress on weekly dinner plans. Organizing your shelves to prioritize leftovers and perishables first, such as putting your fresh fruit and veggies on the middle shelf in view instead of the crisper drawer, you can help prevent your food getting sucked into the void of the fridge and forgotten!

On Friday, we closed out the week by remixing and cooking with our leftovers. You can find more creative recipes and ideas on what to turn your leftovers into on our website at www.wedontwaste.org/cooking-with-we-dont-waste/! 

With Saturday came the weekend and takeout meals! We know that life can get busy, from soccer practice to late-night meetings, sometimes a quick, hot-to-go meal is needed. When you plan out your weekly dinners and meal plans, make sure to leave a day free to account for any takeout meals. This way, no food will go to waste! 

Every April, Food Waste Prevention Week is an encouragement and reminder for each of us to do our best to prevent household food waste. Through taking small steps and incorporating better habits into your shopping and cooking routine, food waste prevention will be a breeze! 

Want to track your initiatives and actions in preventing food waste? Use our Food Waste Prevention Week Scorecard to see how many points you can accumulate. Tally up your score and share it to your social media with the hashtag #FoodPreventionWeek, snap a photo and tag us on Instagram or TikTok @wedontwaste! Let’s continue to work together to make a dent in the 40% of wasted food!

“You may have heard the phrase, ‘Solidarity, not charity’ before. Usually, this phrase is used to describe the concept of mutual aid. From schools to neighborhoods, communities are coming together to support one another. What exactly is a mutual aid group, and how does it differ from coalitions and nonprofits?

Coalitions are defined as “a group formed of different organizations or people who agree to act together, usually temporarily, to achieve something,” according to Cambridge University. Often coalitions are composed of governing bodies or existing organizations, such as nonprofits, who join forces to further community outreach and impact. 

On the other hand, mutual aid is a form of political participation in which individuals take responsibility for caring for one another. Mutual aid implies a practice tied to acts of solidarity and a desire to overcome structural injustice through social transformation and action. Mutual aid has the potential to fulfill basic survival needs including food, health care, shelter, and social connection through grassroots and local emergency responses. 

The importance of community-led groups can be overshadowed by larger organizations operating in a community, but they should not be forgotten or mistaken as less-impactful.. Historically, disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, or pandemics, expose the inequitable power structures within the U.S. Often, these inequalities reflect systems of oppression and social and cultural inequalities. Because of this, many low-income and vulnerable communities are disproportionately affected by emergencies. 

Mutual aid organizations help bridge the gap between access to government aid and immediate response and support to underserved communities. When disasters occur, government and federal aid responses tend to be delayed or even inadequate for some communities, like individuals who are ineligible for federal emergency management assistance. 

Mutual aid groups have been a part of the activist toolbelt for centuries: Take labor unions for example. Labor unions emerged during the early 1900s due to a lack of workers’ rights during the Industrial Revolution. Dangerous work conditions, low pay, and child labor all inspired workers and community members to demand changes from business owners, leading to the establishment of minimum wage and the illegality of child labor. 

Furthermore, in the 1950s, Indigenous people developed community centers to protect native resources and to advocate for Indigenous rights after the federal government terminated the sovereign nation designation of more than 100 nations. Now, mutual aid groups and coalitions have become ever more important in supporting and feeding our communities. 

One of the greatest strengths of mutual aid is its flexibility. These organizations empower community members to contribute their skills and ideas, ensuring that support is tailored to the unique needs of those involved, regardless of prior experience. By coming together and sharing personal experiences with social injustices or disasters, individuals foster a strong sense of solidarity.

Here in Denver, we are fortunate to house multiple food access coalitions, including The Denver Community Food Access Coalition.  The Denver Community Food Access Coalition is dedicated to “creating a more equitable food system for all communities”, they partner with nine Denver metro organizations, focusing on emergency food assistance, urban agriculture, long-term policy, public education, community organizing, and policy. 

Denver is also home to many mutual aid organizations such as Mutual Aid Monday, Denver Community Fridges, and Rocky Mountain Mutual Aid.

Mutual Aid Monday is a grassroots, mutual aid organization founded in November 2020. Composed of community members, we care deeply for our neighbors experiencing homelessness. Every Monday night, the team at Mutual Aid Monday serves a community meal that helps to feed over 400 people in Denver’s neighborhoods. 

Denver Community Fridges has a unique spin on providing free food to Denver residents experiencing food insecurity. With six fridges and one pantry spread across the Denver metro area, Denver Community Fridges relies on neighbors and volunteers to stock, clean, and maintain the fridges. These fridges help anyone and everyone experiencing food insecurity. 

We Don’t Waste supports Denver Community Fridges by connecting volunteers with food recovery opportunities through the We Rescue app. Volunteers recover surplus food from local businesses and then deliver it to the fridges. 

Rocky Mountain Mutual Aid is a mutual aid group dedicated to delivering food to food-insecure individuals who may not have access to transportation or are disabled. They work with the Denver Community Food Access Coalition to source and deliver food across Denver. 

Mutual aid is more than just a means of providing resources—it is a powerful expression of solidarity and collective care. In times of crisis and everyday struggles alike, communities that come together to support one another build resilience, foster trust, and create lasting change. Mutual aid prioritizes direct action, shared responsibility, and recognizes that everyone has something valuable to contribute.

By investing in mutual aid efforts, we strengthen the fabric of our communities, ensuring that no one is left behind. Whether through food access programs, grassroots initiatives, or local support networks, these efforts demonstrate that when people work together, they can overcome systemic barriers and create a more just and equitable society. 

At We Don’t Waste, we recognize that community and mutual aid are at the heart of meaningful change. Our ability to fight food insecurity would not be possible without the courage, compassion, and selflessness of our supporters, our volunteers, and our community partners. It is through collective action that we uphold the fundamental truth that our humanity is rooted in community. When we come together to support one another, we affirm that no one should have to face hunger alone. Mutual aid is not just about food, it’s about dignity, connection, and the belief that a stronger, more equitable future is built by all of us, for all of us.

Looking for ways to make a difference in Denver? Volunteering is a great way to support local organizations, meet new people, and give back to the community. Whether you’re passionate about fighting hunger, helping animals, or supporting youth programs, there’s a volunteer opportunity for you. 

Nervous about volunteering for the first time? Many organizations have orientations and volunteer managers onsite for your support. Plus, we always recommend bringing a friend to sign up and volunteer with you. It makes the experience even more enjoyable, and provides organizations with twice the support.

Volunteering isn’t just about giving—it’s also about how connections within your community can serve you. Here are a few reasons to get involved:

• Make a Meaningful Impact – Your time and effort directly support people and causes in need. In fact, the value of a volunteer hour in Colorado is estimated to be around $36.36! Volunteer support is necessary for many nonprofits’ operations. 
• Build Community Connections – Meet like-minded individuals and foster relationships that strengthen your community. 
• Develop New Skills – Gain valuable experience in teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. You’d be surprised at how many skills are transferable between volunteer opportunities and your school or workplace. 
• Improve Mental Well-Being – Helping others has been shown to reduce stress and increase overall happiness.
• Make a Difference for the Environment – Creating a healthier planet for all means supporting generations of plants, animals, and humans to come. 

1. We Don’t Waste – Fighting Food Waste & Hunger

We Don’t Waste rescues surplus food from the food industry and distributes it to communities facing food insecurity. Volunteers help distribute fresh food at Mobile Food Markets, assist with food recovery efforts through the We Rescue app, and support special events. This is a great hands-on opportunity to reduce food waste and provide nutritious food to those in need. 

2. WeeCycle – serving families with essentials

You can support families in Denver with essential products for infants and children through volunteer distribution with WeeCycle. WeeCycle collects and distributes diapers, formula, wipes, and other essentials for families through various markets around the Denver area, and utilizes volunteers to get families what they need at distribution events. 

3. Project Angel Heart – provide nutritious food for healing

This nonprofit delivers nutritious, medically-tailored meals to individuals with life-threatening illnesses. Volunteers help with meal prep, packaging, and delivery, ensuring that those in need receive healthy food to support their health.

4. Dumb Friends League – help local animals

Animal lovers can volunteer at Dumb Friends League to care for homeless pets, assist with adoptions, and support animal welfare programs. They offer various opportunities, including fostering and working directly with animals. This volunteer program does require an application and a processing fee before you can sign up, so make sure you plan ahead for the orientation. 

5. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado – be a role model for our youth

Make a lasting impact on a child’s life by becoming a mentor. Big Brothers Big Sisters matches adult volunteers with children who could benefit from positive role models, helping to build confidence and provide support. There are often waitlists to match a Big, so provide your information as soon as possible!

6. Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver – build a stable future with housing

Help build affordable homes for families in need! Volunteers assist with construction, home repairs, and operating the Habitat ReStores, which support their mission. No experience is required—just a willingness to lend a hand.

7. Volunteers of America Colorado – serve through a variety of opportunities

This organization offers a variety of volunteer opportunities, from serving meals to seniors and veterans to helping with community outreach programs. Whether you have a few hours or want to commit long-term, they have options to fit your schedule.

How to Get Started

No matter your interests or availability, there’s a place for you to give back in Denver. There are hundreds of organizations that are active across the Denver metro area, each with many more options for scheduling and ways to utilize your skills. Visit the websites of these organizations, check out their volunteer calendars, and sign up for an opportunity that fits your passion. A little time and effort can go a long way in making a positive impact in our community.

Food is a powerful connector, fostering relationships and creating bonds between individuals across various cultures and communities. It provides a window into the histories, traditions, and values of diverse societies. Exploring global cuisines allows us to appreciate the rich stories embedded in dishes, from preparation methods to the rituals surrounding consumption. These practices can also shed light on societal structures, including insights into gender roles and power dynamics, offering a deeper understanding of the world and its communities.

How have food and culinary arts played a role in shaping cultures?

Since ancient times, food has been a vital part of cultures across the globe, uniting people through its necessity and universality. To sustain our calorie-hungry brains, early humans mastered fire and cooking, transforming raw ingredients into flavorful, digestible meals. This cultural innovation of adding flavor, spices, and techniques not only improved survival outcomes through increased nutritional value, but also influenced human evolution, leading to smaller teeth, weaker chewing muscles, and shorter digestive tracts compared to our primate relatives. Food’s role in shaping humanity is highlighted in our very biology. 

“There is more to eating than survival. Eating and drinking are a medium through which we gather, socialize, and create bonds. We celebrate, commemorate, tend to one another, and enact our rituals through food,” says Dr. Ara Norenzayan. 

There are two perspectives to consider: If culture is seen as a defined entity (like “American culture” or “British culture”), food becomes a crucial aspect, embodying and passing down cultural values while reinforcing a group’s unique identity over time. In this context, food traditions often (but not always) serve as markers of distinct identities on a national level, with governments sometimes intervening to safeguard local food industries from foreign influence. This reflects the broader role of food in preserving and shaping a sense of cultural uniqueness. (If you haven’t heard of gastrodiplomacy or gastronativism, you should take a look at this article from Foreign Policy.)

If we view culture as part of social life—distinct from economic or political factors—food becomes a lens through which cultural values and practices are expressed. Ideas about what is “healthy” or “good” vary, and societies establish food rules dictating what and how much to eat, and when exceptions are allowed. There’s also a social divide between “low brow” and “high brow” foods, often linked to class hierarchies already present in societal structures. For instance, gourmet food establishments use cultural knowledge to elevate certain foods while marginalizing others. It would be surprising to most Americans to find a good corned beef hash on the menu of a 3-star Michelin steakhouse, despite salted meat and potatoes being the primary items available. 

How does the language used to describe food reflect cultural attitudes and values?

A culture’s food vocabulary reflects its values and priorities. For example, an Italian child may be able to identify 22 types of pasta, while a Canadian child might know just a few words. 

Beyond vocabulary, attitudes conveyed through language shape perceptions of food. Psychologist Paul Rozin observed that French participants associate fried eggs with “breakfast,” while Americans think “cholesterol,” highlighting culinary appreciation versus health concerns. Interestingly, despite American vigilance, French life expectancy remains higher, underscoring the broader cultural differences in how food is perceived and experienced.

While language significantly influences our relationship with food, sensory elements like sound and touch also play a vital role. In Japan, slurping ramen noodles is celebrated as an expression of appreciation for the dish’s flavors and textures.

This cultural nuance is captured in Itami Juzo’s film Tampopo (1985). In one scene, a group of women are being coached by an etiquette teacher on how to eat pasta quietly, while a nearby diner gleefully slurps his ramen noodles. His infectious enjoyment of the food soon inspires the women, including their teacher, to embrace his loud expression of approval for the meal. 

Diners enjoying the ramen noodles in Tampopo (1985) by Itami Juzo.

In what ways does food serve as a medium for social and cultural exchange?

For many, food is a gateway to exploring and understanding the rich diversity of cultures within and across communities. Each community reflects its uniqueness through a variety of culinary practices. Even the same dish can be prepared in countless ways, revealing personal or cultural stories. For instance, my schnitzel differs greatly from my great-grandparents’ version because my recipe was shaped by my lifetime living in (and having access to ingredients from) the United States, not Bavaria, Germany. These lived experiences imbue my cooking with a unique flavor and history, reminding us of the narratives embedded in every meal.

Different dishes can be examples of the cultural exchange that was necessary to produce them, and it is fascinating to try to trace back their origins. Let’s think about ramen as an example. The ingredients that go into making ramen took centuries to reach Japan, either as foods associated with the spread of Buddhism or as the result of trade, colonialism, and imperialism. Then once something like wheat-based noodles reached Japan, they were innovated to change their thickness and texture and many new forms took shape including udon, soba, somen, and ramen noodles. As a dish with Chinese origins that has been built on over time, ramen became something that reflected Japanese history and changing culture.

It’s fascinating to examine historical shifts in these expectations or moments when food becomes symbolic in unexpected ways. For example, during Japan’s Fifteen Year War (1931–1945), white rice was prioritized as military rations, solidifying its newfound centrality in Japanese food culture. Previously, many rural communities on the Japanese islands relied on millet, barley, and sweet potatoes. 

Post-war, white rice transitioned from a wartime staple to a marker of middle-class aspiration, reflecting broader cultural and economic shifts as communities recovered. Rice paddies grew in number, and the demand for white rice with each meal skyrocketed. For many Westerners, white rice, as long as we could remember, is symbolic of Japanese cuisine, when it’s really only been the last 100 years that it has found its place. 

So what can we learn from all of this? 

Food is an integral part of the human experience. From our biological process to our social structures, food has been a cultural force that has shaped all of us on an individual and national level. It’s not just about nutrition, but participation in events and holidays, connecting with neighbors and friends, and having the opportunity to express our care for ourselves and others. 

Food is as much a reflection of our lives, as we are reflections of the food that we eat. 

For some of our neighbors, it is a daily struggle to access fresh, nutritious food. In Colorado, as many as 1 in 9 people will experience food insecurity, and that number is higher for people of color and those under 18 years old. 

Food access doesn’t have to be a barrier to health and happiness. You can support families and individuals on a local scale, with community-based organizations like We Don’t Waste stretching your gift further to be the most effective support possible for your neighbors. 

Volunteer, or support our work by making a gift, and you can help us support over 750,000 Coloradans each year with nutritious, no-cost food access. 

The holidays are made up of the key ingredients of food, friends, and family, and they remind us of the importance of coming together as a community and supporting one another. At We Don’t Waste, our mission is to recover and redistribute surplus food to those who need it most, ensuring every meal finds a home. This season, we invite you to make an impact by giving back in ways that have a lasting impact on your neighbors:

1. Participate in Colorado Gives Day
   Join us on December 10th for Colorado Gives Day, a statewide celebration of generosity. Your donation during this special event will have an amplified impact thanks to an incentive fund that increases the value of every gift. It’s an easy and powerful way to support families in need. First-time recurring donations are also matched up to $100, DOUBLING your support and changing more lives with food access. 

2. Make a Direct Donation
   Did you know that every dollar donated to We Don’t Waste helps us provide four meals to individuals facing food insecurity? Whether it’s a one-time gift or a recurring contribution, your support enables us to rescue and distribute nutritious food to our neighbors in need. Plus, make a gift towards our capital campaign of $250 or more to help us finish renovations on the new Food Recovery Hub, and you’re eligible for a 25% state tax credit. 

3. Volunteer Your Time
   Looking to make a hands-on difference? Join our volunteer team! Whether you’re helping at a Mobile Food Market or using the We Rescue app to become a food recovery hobbyist yourself, your time and energy directly support our mission to get food onto people’s plates today. Volunteering is also a great way to connect with like-minded individuals who care about their community, and studies have shown that volunteering boosts self-esteem and lowers stress. 

4. Attend the Bordeaux Wine Tasting Experience
   Experience an evening of elegance and impact at the Bordeaux Wine Event on January 22, 2025, at the History Colorado Center. Enjoy tastings from nearly 80 Bordeaux chateaux, presented by Applejack Wine & Spirits and the Union Des Grand Crus Bordeaux, while supporting We Don’t Waste. All proceeds from this special event directly benefit our programs, turning a unique event for wine aficionados into nourishment for those experiencing food insecurity. 

Who are you supporting? 

We Don’t Waste works with over 100 Colorado-based nonprofits that provide food to various communities. We have partners like Servicios de la Raza, which provide re-entry services, victim services, and more, including essential services like food distribution! Other partners, like the Heart & Center Center, provide after-school programs, college-readiness programs, and more for local kids, with snack and meal services so no kid has to end the day with an empty belly. 

The diversity in our nonprofit partners helps us reach more Coloradans and recover and distribute more relevant foods, with the dignity of food choice being a primary focus. We also offer Mobile Food Markets, a no-cost, pop-up farmer’s market in food desert neighborhoods around the Denver metro area.

Marguerite, a Mobile Food Market participant, shared that the markets led to a huge change in her quality of life. To her, the assurance of always knowing she has access to food means she can continue to live independently and happily in her retirement, “Food is a gift. I come to these markets once a month and it’s a blessing. Medicine becomes expensive when you get old like me, but these markets help me feed myself”!

The holidays are a time to reflect, give thanks, and give back. We’re grateful for the incredible community that makes our work possible, and we hope you’ll join us in making a difference this season.

Published September 23rd, by Gina Parker

I remember the first time I ever tried a Chicago Dog— outside the Chicago Aquarium on a park bench. I purchased it from a stand covered in Vienna Beef stickers and a sliding window that didn’t shut all the way. As a Colorado native and a Chicago tourist, I wasn’t allowed to order for myself, and had to leave that to the professional, local Chicagoans. Out came a speckled bun with one hotdog inside, topped high with (hopefully I get this list right) onion, relish, mustard, tomato, sport peppers, celery salt, and a pickle. It was, without a doubt, the best hotdog I have ever had.

I know I will remember the flavors of the cold pickle, spicy sport peppers, and tangy mustard for the rest of my life. Every time someone mentions firing up the grill, I am automatically transported to the chilled Chicago air, light breeze, the hot coal foil warming my hands, and being seated by Lake Michigan pondering why not every hotdog is a Chicago Dog. 

Have you ever experienced a flash of nostalgia when you smell freshly baked cookies wafting from a neighbor’s house? Or when you spot one of those strawberry-wrapped candies your grandma always had? Food, and specifically our senses, have allowed us to store memories triggered by something as simple as a reminiscent smell. We are all born into the world of food, taste, and cultural customs that have helped shape our perception of the world around us. Specific childhood meals, candies, and plastic-wrapped treats become stored as future nostalgic triggers for you later in life. 

The sensory experience of eating is profound. The tastes, feelings, and emotions evoked during dining are processed by the hippocampus, the part of our brain responsible for forming long-term and expressive memories. The hippocampus plays a crucial role in our emotions, and links the parts of the brain responsible for senses and understanding. This connection explains why certain smells or tastes can trigger strong emotional reactions. 

Additionally, the hippocampus has direct links to our digestive system, regulating appetite, digestion, and eating behaviors through hormonal signals. Because the hippocampus regulates both digestion and emotions, when eating occurs in the body it simultaneously sends out neurons that form an episodic memory while processing digestion. While this creates fun nostalgic moments now, this phenomenon is believed to have also given humans a step-up in evolution back when we were hunter-gatherers. Because of food’s necessity for our survival, the hippocampus is believed to have formed increasingly vivid memories regarding eating and finding food to ensure our ancestors could locate it again. 

This intricate connection between the hippocampus and our digestive system is pretty cool on its own, but it can also be therapeutic. The “Proustian Effect”, named after the French novelist Marcel Proust, describes how these involuntary food memories also call to mind social associations, personal events, and the people involved. This theory has been applied in social and psychological healing, as well as in the education of both young and old, using specific smells to trigger fond feelings and emotions in patients.

Survival is not the only thing food is good for. It’s a common inclination to believe that food is better when it is eaten together with others, and science thinks so too. A study conducted by The University of Oxford explored the relationship between communal eating and a person’s well-being. The more often an individual dines with others, the happier they feel. 

Alluding to the correlation between community and food, the study helped illustrate just how impactful communal dining is to social bonding across different cultures, locations, and ages. Throughout mankind, meals were always meant to be shared with one another, from weddings,funerals, birthdays, or just dinner at the end of a long day. Dining room tables, no matter look, size, or intended function, have always been gateways to human connection and joy. Food acts as our common ground, our universal way each of us can share a piece of who we are with each other. 

Taste, smell, and the power of nostalgia seem to be the common factors that help induce these strong memories and recalls. When I cook up spaghetti sauce for dinner and indulge my childhood desire (and favorite snack) of dipping a salty, crisp potato chip into the red gravy I can almost hear my mother’s voice ringing through my ears. I can smell the oregano springing from the pot as my sisters are pushing me out of the way to make their way to the stove. I can see my aunt and cousins standing, slinging a glass of deep red pinot noir and chatting about work. I can feel the cold, black tile flooring beneath my feet as I scoop the boiling-hot sauce onto the thin crisp and pop it in my mouth with excitement. 

Food gives you the power to connect with the community around you and power to encapsulate that moment within a single bite. Food is more than sustenance, it is truly a universal love language. Gathering around a table isn’t just about nourishment; it’s about forging connections that go further than geography and generations.  

At We Don’t Waste, we understand the profound connections food can create. Sadly, millions of pounds of food are wasted every year, while countless families struggle with hunger. We can change that—together.

Imagine the joy of sharing a meal and knowing it’s making a difference. By supporting We Don’t Waste, you’re helping to rescue surplus food and deliver it to communities in need, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to create their own memories around their dining room table.

Here’s how you can help:

Donate: Every dollar you give helps us rescue more food and reach more people.

Volunteer: Join our team in collecting and distributing food. Your time can make a big impact.

Spread the Word: Share our mission with your friends and family. The more people who know, the more we can achieve together. Follow our Instagram and Tiktok to stay up to date on our mission and actions!Visit the We Don’t Waste website to learn more and get involved. Let’s work together to reduce food waste, support our communities, and ensure that everyone can enjoy the powerful, memory-making experience of a shared meal.