Days of Thanks / Days of Giving 2021: Week 4
Organizations in Week 4 of Days of Thanks / Days of Giving provide basic necessities and the benefit of being in nature.
We Don’t Waste
Founding Partner Diane Czarkowski picked We Don’t Waste because of its mission to reduce hunger and food waste in the Denver area. The organization recovers quality, unused food from the food industry and delivers it to food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, schools, and daycare programs. To date, they have saved more than 161 million servings of food.
“Every day, businesses throw out high-quality, delicious food. Sometimes the food is pallets of fresh bell peppers that aren’t the ideal shape. Or carrots that are a little crooked. Or milk that was over-ordered for a local school district. Point is, it’s food that could feed people rather than ending up in a landfill.”
I’ve been fortunate in that I’ve never experienced food insecurity, but both of my parents did. I think it wired a part of me to absolutely hate wasting food. I’m certain that because of the pandemic, more people are having issues getting enough food. This organization really appeals to me because they partner with businesses to redistribute food that would otherwise go to waste, and through mobile food markets, partnerships, and education, they help people get access to more good, healthy food. — Diane Czarkowski
Big City Mountaineers
An avid outdoors person, VP of Marketing Lisa Jordan selected Big City Mountaineers that helps more young people gain access to outdoor recreation and experiences who otherwise would not have the opportunity.
The organization works with underrepresented communities to provide free, fully outfitted, and professionally led backcountry trips. Over the last 30 years, they have conducted nearly 800 expeditions, served over 10,000 youth, organized 5,000 volunteers, and provided nearly 42,000 nights under the stars for the youth they serve.
New York Common Pantry
Since the 1980s, New York Common Pantry has reduced hunger and prompted health, dignity, and self-sufficiency. Bob Wagener VP of Business Development chose this group because of his roots in the area and from the area being top of mind as he has been spending more time on the ground in New York recently.
New York Common Pantry works toward the reduction of hunger and food insecurity through an array of programs that function to establish long-term independence for those we serve. Our whole-person approach starts with food provision through the distribution of nutritious, fresh food pantry packages in Choice Pantry and hearty balanced breakfast and dinner in the Hot Meals program. Supplemental food is provided to seniors aged 60 and older through Nourish.
