We Don't Waste: Saving Food, Protecting the Planet, and Feeding Communities in Denver

If you are looking for a meaningful and impactful place to gather with your friends or family, We Don’t Waste offers an extraordinary environment that goes beyond traditional meetups. This nonprofit organization combines community, sustainability, and social good in a way few places can match. With a stellar rating of 4.7 from 34 reviews, it clearly strikes a chord with locals who appreciate its mission and atmosphere. When you bring your group here, you’re not just hanging out—you’re participating in a collective effort to tackle hunger and reduce food waste in the Denver area. The vibe is one of collaboration and goodwill, where everyone can feel they are making a positive difference. Moreover, the spacious 30,000-square-foot Food Recovery Hub, coupled with their mobile food markets and community initiatives, provides an interactive, educational, and practical venue for groups to rally together. Hosting a meetup at We Don’t Waste means sharing time with friends in an inspiring space that nourishes both body and spirit. This is a place where your gathering can have lasting impact and fuel conversations about sustainability and helping others.

We Don’t Waste offers a unique array of activities centered around food recovery and community engagement that make it ideal for groups. One of the main highlights is participating in their Mobile Food Markets, where volunteers arrange fresh produce and meals for anyone in the community who needs it. Groups can join these events to volunteer together, creating a sense of teamwork and purpose. The experience of handing out food in a respectful and dignified manner fosters connection both within your group and with the community you serve. Additionally, their new large facility allows tours where groups can learn about food waste, sustainability, and social justice in a highly tangible way. Educational workshops and volunteer orientations are often available, making it a great opportunity for a group to gain insight into environmental and food insecurity issues. These activities not only build camaraderie but also empower your friends or family with knowledge and hands-on experiences, turning your meetup into a fun and meaningful social cause event.

The organization’s ethos and operations create a space where people can gather united by a shared purpose—to reduce hunger and food waste. With their extensive network serving over 100 hunger-relief agencies, including food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters, your meetup is part of a bigger movement with measurable results. The facility and outreach efforts emphasize dignity and inclusivity, providing community members with the freedom to "shop" at the mobile markets without stigma. This approach encourages groups to interact meaningfully not only with each other but also with neighbors and volunteers from diverse backgrounds. The nonprofit’s commitment to education means your group can engage in discussions and activities that deepen understanding of sustainability challenges and the hunger crisis. Their expansion to a large warehouse with ample freezer and cooler space means they can handle more food and serve more people, which translates into larger-scale volunteer opportunities for your meetup. The combination of impactful work, community connection, and a welcoming atmosphere makes We Don’t Waste a top choice for socially conscious groups.

Unlike typical food pantries or food banks that sometimes carry a stigma, We Don’t Waste designs its distribution with dignity and comfort as priorities. The Mobile Food Markets look like casual community gatherings with folding tables lined with fresh produce and ready-to-go meal crates. This creates a relaxed setting where your group can feel comfortable engaging and interacting naturally with those you are helping. The organization also provides bags with shelf-stable food and additional resources, sometimes handed out in partnership with local police, reflecting a holistic approach to food insecurity. For a meetup, this environment facilitates open conversation and real human connection, which is often elusive in many traditional volunteer settings. The staff and volunteers are passionate and knowledgeable, ready to guide your group through the experience and answer questions, making it both educational and welcoming. Accessibility is enhanced by the location’s size and layout, accommodating groups of various sizes without crowding, thus fostering a positive group dynamic.

Engaging with We Don’t Waste offers more than just a chance to help others; it provides your group with a shared mission that strengthens bonds and builds teamwork. By working together to organize, distribute, or learn about food recovery, participants develop a sense of accomplishment and pride that enriches your relationship. The act of coming together to face real community challenges promotes empathy and deeper understanding among group members. Additionally, the education provided by We Don’t Waste on issues such as food waste’s environmental impact and food insecurity’s societal costs sparks meaningful discussions that extend beyond the meetup itself. Groups often leave inspired to continue advocacy or adopt sustainable lifestyle habits, creating a ripple effect of positive impact. The cause-driven nature of We Don’t Waste’s activities shifts your gathering from ordinary socializing to transformative community engagement, enhancing both individual and collective purpose.

Founded in 2009 by Arlan Preblud with a single vehicle, We Don’t Waste has grown into a cutting-edge nonprofit employing 23 staff and operating a 30,000-square-foot Food Recovery Hub. Its growth and professionalism, including a fleet of refrigerated trucks, enable efficient food rescue and distribution at a large scale. Importantly, We Don’t Waste charges no fees to food donors or recipient agencies, and their partners provide food free to those in need, ensuring accessibility and fairness. This nonprofit’s model integrates education, food recovery, and community interaction, which is not only socially responsible but also environmentally conscious. As your group visits, you encounter a well-organized hub that demonstrates innovative sustainability in action—recovering good food that would otherwise go to landfills, helping to reduce methane emissions linked to climate change. By hosting your meetup here, you align your gathering with a proven operational model that achieves social good with transparency and effectiveness, making your time well invested and impactful.

In recent years, We Don’t Waste has expanded its facility, tripling freezer space and doubling cooler capacity, allowing it to take on more food and sustain it longer. This enables even larger scale events which can accommodate bigger volunteer groups with varied roles—from sorting and prepping food to coordinating distribution logistics. The organization continually seeks to improve and innovate, with plans to host more educational events, workshops, and volunteer experiences. For groups, this means increasing opportunities to return, learn, and deepen involvement over time. Those interested can also explore participation in community gardening projects connected to the nonprofit’s broader mission. We Don’t Waste maintains an open-door policy for nonprofits and community members interested in collaboration, making it a dynamic hub for group activities focused on food justice and environmental stewardship. Staying connected to their schedule and offerings can turn a single meetup into ongoing engagement with growing social and ecological impact.

To maximize your meetup’s impact, it’s advisable to coordinate with We Don’t Waste in advance by contacting their team to learn about volunteer opportunities, event times, or tours. Bringing a group committed to active participation rather than passive observation creates a more rewarding experience. Members should be ready to engage in sorting, packing, or distributing food, tasks that require teamwork and encourage conversation and cooperation. If your group is interested in learning, come with questions about food waste, sustainability, and the nonprofit’s strategies; their staff are eager to share insights. Also, preparing with the right attire for warehouse conditions and being mindful of safety protocols will ensure everyone’s comfort. Lastly, consider spreading awareness about the organization’s mission within your network to amplify the impact of your meetup beyond the day itself.

Unlike cafés, parks, or entertainment venues, We Don’t Waste offers a deeper, more meaningful gathering experience grounded in community service and environmental consciousness. Bringing friends or family here combines social interaction with altruistic purpose, creating shared memories tied to giving back. This can strengthen relationships and promote values of empathy and responsibility while providing a fun, hands-on activity. The fresh, positive energy of the Food Recovery Hub breaks the mold of conventional meetups by mixing education, action, and impact. In addition, the nonprofit’s outstanding reputation and broad community ties mean your group will be part of a well-respected and rewarding endeavor. Choosing We Don’t Waste aligns your social time with a cause that benefits many—addressing food insecurity and environmental sustainability—that everyone can feel proud to support.

By gathering at We Don’t Waste, your group participates directly in reducing food insecurity for thousands across the Denver metro area. The nonprofit’s model prevents good food from reaching landfills, helping protect the environment by cutting methane emissions. Your group’s volunteer efforts help local hunger relief agencies save thousands of dollars annually on food—which translates into expanded service reach and enhanced program quality. Moreover, your group contributes to raising awareness and breaking down stigmas associated with collecting food assistance by embodying a welcoming, dignified approach. Your time and energy amplify We Don’t Waste’s mission and help build a stronger, healthier community. The ripple effects from one group meetup extend far beyond the day, contributing to systemic change around food access and climate action in Denver.

With many accolades like ColoradoBiz’s Top Nonprofit award and recognition in media outlets such as The Denver Post and Denver7, We Don’t Waste is a proven leader in food recovery and community service. Their staff’s dedication, expertise, and commitment to inclusivity create a supportive and well-managed environment. User reviews reflect consistent positive experiences, demonstrating their effectiveness and community respect. The organization's transparent and innovative approach ensures your group can feel confident that your meetup is meaningfully contributing to societal and ecological solutions. By choosing We Don’t Waste, your group not only enjoys a safe and welcoming space but also aligns with a highly rated and trustworthy organization renowned for making a lasting impact in Denver. This makes it an ideal choice for meaningful meetups with friends and family while giving back in a substantial way.