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 Free Drive-Thru Food Markets / Fechas y Horarios de los Mercados de Alimentos Gratuitos
Please note that our Mobile Food Markets at Garden Place Academy, Sunnyside, Presentation of Our Lady, and Focus Points/Our Lady of Grace are walk-through (where attendees can walk up and shop). Our markets at Lalo Delgado and North Middle School are drive-thru. We can accommodate walk-up attendees at all markets, but ask that people drive up if they have access to a vehicle.
Tenga en cuenta que nuestros mercados móviles de alimentos en Garden Place Academy, Sunnyside, Presentation of Our Lady, y Focus Points/Our Lady of Grace son recogida a pie (donde los asistentes pueden caminar y comprar). Nuestros mercados en Lalo Delgado y North Middle School son servicio al carro. Podemos acomodar a los asistentes sin cita previa en todos los mercados, pero pídales a las personas que lleguen en auto si tienen acceso a un vehículo.
how does it work? como funciona?
The Mobile Food Market is a monthly opportunity where everyone in need can come to shop for FREE food. 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 que tenga necesidad puede obtener a comida GRATIS. 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!
JOIN THE MOBILE FOOD MARKET MAILING LIST
“Our partnership with We Don’t Waste began in March 2019. Since then, we have served our Globeville, Elyria, Swansea community with free mobile food markets every month. Many families are facing economic challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and have come to rely on these food markets. For me personally, the markets are one of my only opportunities to connect with families in-person and help ensure that everyone’s basic needs are being met. This aspect of personal connection is what so many of us are missing during COVID, and it’s what makes my work so meaningful. We Don’t Waste provides not only vital access to free, healthy food; but also a strong sense of community among our families.” – Grace Soulen, Community Engagement Manager, Focus Points Family Resource Center
Natalie Hopper, Director of Philanthropy, Escuela de Guadalupe
Huge thanks to our market sponsors!
USDA Non-Discrimination Statement: https://cdhs.colorado.gov/benefits-assistance/food-assistance/food-distribution-programs