Boulder Food Rescue aims to create a more just and less wasteful food system. We facilitate the sustainable redistribution of healthy food that would otherwise be wasted to low-income communities, by bicycle. We work with communities to facilitate their own food redistribution and create decentralized systems to bypass barriers to food access.
Our work envisions a world in which everyone has equitable access to healthy food.
"I first heard about BFR after seeing an article in the Daily Camera about 6 months after the organization formed. I was immediately impressed with the work of this unique group: feeding the hungry, reducing food waste and saving the planet! I went to one of the organizational meetings, and I was even more impressed by the intelligence, energy and clear commitment of the BFR crew. I signed on to help then and have been an active member since."
-Gayle, Volunteer & Donor
"I love the work that BFR does. Bringing good and edible food to the community makes me feel treated with dignity, not as a poor person. BFR works very differently to the food banks." -Resident of one of our communities
These amazing gifts of free food been delivered to our neighbors has been a blessing. Especially now with such high prices of food. Our volunteers take the time to look through food that's still in perfect condition. Once again so grateful so save money and feed our families & neighbors. Thank you BOULDER FOOD RESCUE" -Estela, No Cost Grocery Program Coordinator
"I have learned A LOT from BFR in regards to genuine engagement and participation, collaboration, justice and respect, and humility. I adore BFR: its staff, its mission, its approach. It has been impactful to have those experiences as I have gained memorable life and professional lessons."
- Ingrid Castro-Campos, Community Partner
Boulder Food Rescue aims to create a more just and less wasteful food system. We facilitate the sustainable redistribution of healthy food that would otherwise be wasted to communities facing food insecurity. We work to increase access to fruits and vegetables, remove food access barriers, reduce food waste, implement more equitable and just food rescue practices, build trust with communities, and support community-led programs.
Our No Cost Grocery Programs are community-led distribution points that engage the voices, experiences, and leadership of program participants. Community leaders run their own unique programs and determine when, where, and how the food is redistributed.
BFR is working to pursue its vision for communities to have autonomy in their food system and the resources they need to thrive.
Boulder Food Rescue works to create a more just and less wasteful food system in Boulder County. We do this by rescuing food that would be wasted from grocery stores and restaurants and taking this food to communities that require more food access. Our decentralized just-in-time food rescue program is uniquely situated to save nutritious and perishable produce from being wasted and get it into the hands and homes of those in Boulder who need more food access. Through this program, we are able to rescue and redistribute 1,500 lbs of food a day.
We do this in a way that works to move away from charity and toward solidarity. The food that we rescue is distributed to over 30 communities sites, and 12 partner agencies throughout Boulder. Each one of our No Cost Grocery Programs is run by a member of that community called a Grocery Program Coordinator. These community members organize their own food distribution in ways that work best for their community. By working with these communities we are able to develop food distribution systems that bypass many barriers to food access. Barriers such as transportation, shame and stigma, scheduling, and proof of poverty paperwork. Instead of lines at pantries, it is neighbors getting and giving food to each other. Recipients of food design their own programs, help by volunteering to set up their own grocery programs, volunteer by doing their own pick-ups, and give us feedback and desires that influence the way in which we do our work.
“…there's something that lands somebody here, there is the sense of living on a handout to some degree. But then to be able to be the one giving something kind of raises people's self-esteem. If you're just receiving all of the time, it sort of lowers your self-esteem, but if you get to give it helps.”
-Bob Wing Grocery Program Coordinator
BFR first began pickups from just one grocery store but quickly discovered that many organizations and people were in need of fruits and vegetables. Our organization now picks up seven days a week, 12 times per day from 23 different food vendors, and delivers this nutritious produce to 51 different organizations and grocery programs every week. We have rescued over 5 million pounds of food to date, with most of it being done by bicycle.
Organization name
Boulder Food Rescue
other names
BFR
2011
Tax id (EIN)
45-3006089
Category
Food, Agriculture & Nutrition
Organization Size
Large Organization
Address
PO Box 284Mailing
PO Box 284Boulder County, CO, US