Mobile Food Markets

The Problem

In the Metro Denver area, there are approximately 50 food apartheids–neighborhoods that have been historically and presently discriminated against, where politics, racial injustice, and economic policy have shaped a landscape without access to affordable, fresh, and nutritious foods. People who live in these neighborhoods often rely on fast food and convenience stores for food, or they have to travel long distances to the closest grocery stores, which presents barriers for those without transportation or those who have mobility challenges.

Compounding this problem, many of these neighborhoods don’t have a food pantry, or the existing food pantries aren’t able to fully meet the community need (due to limited funding, staffing, storage capacity, etc.).

Our Solution

To address this problem, We Don’t Waste developed our Mobile Food Market initiative to reach further into the community, serving people with healthy, nutritious food, such as fresh fruit, vegetables, lean protein, and dairy.

Our markets are open to everyone, no matter what your circumstances are.

Dates and Times of Mobile Food Markets

how does it work? como funciona?

The Mobile Food Market is a monthly opportunity where everyone can come to shop for food at NO COST. Attendees are able to select the items that they want and need. We cannot guarantee specific food items ahead of time, but will have a selection of produce, dairy, proteins, bakery products, and shelf-stable products.

The Market is free and open to everyone!

La despensa de comida móvil es una oportunidad mensual cuando quien sea puede obtener a comida SIN COSTO. Los participantes pueden elegir los productos que quieren y necesitan. No podemos garantizar que productos específicos se ofrecerán cada semana, pero tendremos una selección amplia de frutas y verduras, productos lácteos, panes, y productos no perecederos.

¡La despensa está ABIERTO y GRATIS para todos!

Who can attend We Don’t Waste Mobile Food Markets?

Everyone is welcome to attend a market! We will not request identification or any proof of income, documentation status, etc. We do require reservations (read the section below for how to make a reservation).

What do I need to do to attend? How do I make a reservation?

As of January 2025, all We Don’t Waste Mobile Food Markets will be reservation only. Reservations will open 24 hours before each market event. To make a reservation, please do the following:

Download the Plentiful app: https://plntfl.app/l/app or visit https://plentifulapp.com/ to learn how to make a reservation via text message. (We think that the app is much easier)
Click sign in, enter your phone number or email address, and select your preferred language.
Select the market that you would like to visit. Find the pantry you’re looking for using Plentiful’s map or search bar (or select from our list below).
Click “view pantry” and then “schedule a visit.” Select the time and day of your visit and click “confirm.”
Once you see “the screen that says “visit confirmed” please click the green “complete now” button, which will ask for the additional information that we require.
On the day of the market, please do not arrive more than 15 minutes before your reservation time! You won’t be served early and we are not able to serve people outside of their reservation time slot. Please also note that you must arrive and be in line to check in before the market end time. We will not be able to serve you if you check in after the market ends (even if you have a reservation).

For a more in-depth guide on how to create a reservation, please download this guide (English is on page 1 and español is on page 2).

What if I don’t have a smartphone or enough data to make a reservation?

We will have a limited number of walk up slots at each market, but you will have to wait around 30 minutes. We recommend asking a friend to make a reservation for you, or using a computer at a local library, if you don’t want to wait.

Why did you switch to reservations?

We are moving to a reservation-based system because we don’t want attendees to have to wait in long lines (especially in bad weather) to access food. With the reservation system, you won’t need to arrive before your scheduled time-slot, and should be able to get through the market much quicker!

Reservations also help us know how much food to bring.

Can I pick up food for other people?

Yes! Participants can pick up food for up to five households. Please let us know so we can register each household separately. We will ask for name, phone number, and other household details. We will keep this information secure and will not share your personal data outside of our network.

Do you have any rules or guidelines for participation?

Yes, we ask that people review and adhere to our community agreements. If you cannot comply with these expectations, you will be asked to leave and may be barred from attending other markets. These agreements are in place to enure that everyone has a safe and positive experience. Thank you for your cooperation!

Do not cut in line; if you do, you will be asked to move to the back of the line.
Food, diapers, formula, and any other supplies you receive at our markets may not be sold or exchanged for money.
Please, as best as possible, keep an eye on your children. We want kids to be safe and comfortable at markets.
All markets are weapon-free zones and participants must agree not to bring alcohol, drugs/drug paraphernalia, or weapons to our Mobile Market events.
Be kind and respectful towards others.
We do not tolerate racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, or xenophobic language or behavior. You will be asked to leave if you are not respectful to others.
Only take what you will use. We aim to prevent food waste, so please plan accordingly. We may have limited quantities of some products including diapers, formula, and certain food items.
We Don’t Waste and Weecycle staff and volunteers are working hard to provide a good experience to all participants. Please be patient with us and treat volunteers and staff with respect and kindness.
Each market location has generously agreed to let us use their property. Please treat the space with respect and do not leave trash behind.

Do I have to take items that I don’t want?

Absolutely not! Our markets are choice-model. There may be some limits on items, but we will never require that you take something you do not want or will not use.

How will we know if a market is canceled?

Sometimes we have to cancel markets due to snow, extreme heat, hail, and other exciting Colorado weather! We will strive to make a decision as soon as possible and will update our website, social media, and the Plentiful app with any changes. Please note, that due to the unpredictability of weather, we may not be able to make a cancellation decision until the morning of a market.

Will you have additional resources available at Mobile Food Markets?

Yes! Our friends at Weecycle are (typically) in attendance at each of our markets, providing diapers, formula, and other baby supplies. Supplies are limited and quantities may be rationed to ensure more people in attendance are able to be served.

We also partner with Colorado Pet Pantry (they typically attend the market at Bruce Randolph), and other partners such as, Abby Care, Book Give, Denver Public Libraries, and many others! If you’re an organization/business that is interested in attending one of our markets to provide resources to the families we serve, please contact us at markets@wedontwaste.org for more info on how to get involved!

We Don’t Waste has been an invaluable partner to families at Escuela de Guadalupe and show up to serve the community in rain, snow, or shine! We are so proud to partner with their incredible team who puts community and service first.

Natalie Hopper, Director of Philanthropy, Escuela de Guadalupe