Food Recovery
The quickest way to reach us is to call us at 720.443.6113 ext. 3. You can also email our team at food@wedontwaste.org, or click the button below to go to the online form.
For further information, please review our Food Donation Guidelines.
We Don’t Waste started with a simple question: Why should businesses throw away perfectly good food, while people in our community are going hungry?
We’ve been so fortunate to work with amazing local businesses⏤restaurants, venues, caterers, distributors, producers, and institutions – who agree with our vision. Currently, we have about 165 active food donors, and we are always looking for new partners who want to help us keep good food out of the landfill!
Become a Food Donor
Provide quality food to struggling families and individuals by donating unused food items to We Don’t Waste. We asked that there is a minimum of 250 servings to schedule a pickup. We may be able to accommodate smaller donations if you deliver the food to us. There is always a need for high-demand items such as fresh fruit, veggies, dairy, and protein.
All our partners are protected from liability by the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act (Pub. L. No 104-210, 110 Stat. 3011(1996)) as long as safe food handling procedures are followed.
For further information, please review our Food Donation Guidelines.
HOW iT WORKs
your donation is the key to ending waste and food insecurity in the denver metro area
1. Contact us
Email us at food@wedontwaste.org, call us at 720.443.6113 ext. 3, or fill out our Food Donor Form online and we will get back to you within 1-2 business days.
2. We recover the food
It’s that simple! After a brief consultation to discuss donation standards, we will schedule a FREE pickup. Your food is now helping us fight food insecurity in Denver instead of being left to rot in a landfill.
ARE you a driver/carrier with rejected food?
Donate it!
We Don’t Waste will recover the food and save you money on dump fees!
- Accept various sizes of donations, from one pallet up to a full truckload
- Two standard height docks
- Staff will be present to receive you and unload
- You will be provided with an in-kind donation form
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is We Don’t Waste a Food Bank?
No, We Don’t Waste is not a food bank. However, many of the items we obtain are provided to local food banks, along with food pantries, shelters, youth-focused organizations, and others!
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 for free to their participants.
What type of food does We Don’t Waste accept?
We take safe, consumable, and unused foods! This includes a wide variety of foods, including fresh fruit, greens, vegetables, meats, dairy, shelf-stable products, baked goods, desserts, prepared foods, frozen foods, snacks, beverages, bottled water, and vegan products.
Short dated items (dependent on the item), items out of code, mislabeled items, damaged items or pallets, bulk items (dependent on the item), and overages/excess items are all acceptable as well!
What types of food does We Don’t Waste not accept?
We do not accept any hot foods – all foods must be cooled to food safety guidelines. We do not accept buffet style foods that have been open to the public. We do not accept any foods that have been sitting out for over 4 hours. Of course, we do not accept garbage or foods to be composted – our donations are for human consumption!
Does We Don’t Waste accept in-person food donations?
Yes! Please call ahead at 720.443.6113 ext. 3 to provide some information about your in-person donation.
Does We Don’t Waste adhere to food safety standards?
Yes! We take food safety very seriously. All employees hold food safety certification, from our Executive Director to our Food Recovery Specialists to our IT Support. You can feel comfortable knowing that your food will be kept food-safe from the time from the time we pick it up to the time it reaches individuals in need.
Please see the above for the foods we do not accept.
What are my liabilities with regard to the donation of food?
The Federal Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act and the Good Samaritan Act of the State of Colorado protect all donors so long as they follow food safety requirements.
Does We Don’t Waste pick up food donations?
Yes! We have a fleet of trucks, ranging in size from 10-26’, all of which are refrigerated. We require a minimum of 250 servings to send out the trucks.
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 720.443.6113 ext. 3 or email us at food@wedontwaste.org.
Do we accept smaller food donations? (From home gardens, restaurants, etc.)
Yes! Please get in contact with us to cover the specifics of your donation. Call 720.443.6113 ext. 3 or email us at food@wedontwaste.org.
Can I donate expired food?
Depending on the type of food/packaging, we can accept certain expired foods. Please contact us at 720.443.6113 ext. 103.
