East Denver Food Hub

?? Team Spotlight: Benjamin Zapien ?? Today, we're thrilled to shine a light on our Operations Manager, Benjamin Zapien, who has been a core part of our team for nearly two years! ???? Since day one, Benjamin has demonstrated not only an unwavering commitment to our mission but also a deep passion for our vision of a sustainable, resilient, and fair food system. His growth within the organization is a testament to his drive and self-initiative—qualities that have continually pushed us forward. With every challenge he faces, Benjamin brings sharp insight, incredible execution, and a hands-on approach that uplifts both our customers and our producers. ?? From managing operations seamlessly to advancing our impact with heart and purpose, he embodies the changemaker spirit we're all about. We're beyond grateful to have him on our team and can't wait to see the difference he'll continue to make! ?? #TeamSpotlight

The countdown to Small Business Saturday starts now! ?? In 1 week, you'll have the chance to invest in East Denver Food Hub through our investment offering, with zero fees! Small Business Saturday is a way to celebrate small businesses like ours amidst all the big-box store sales and pandemonium, and we're celebrating it this year with Honeycomb Credit! We're running an offering on Honeycomb Credit so that we can continue our mission to provide farm-fresh food for our community and promote equity and inclusion in our local food system. We chose this method of financing because we want to pay you back, rather than a bank. We're ready to grow and excited to have our community behind us. Small Business Saturday is the day to invest in EDFH, so let the countdown begin! Investing starts November 30th. Check back later to learn more! #SmallBusinessSaturday #InvestLocal #SBSHoneycomb2024 #DenverMetro

At East Denver Food Hub, we believe food is more than just something we eat—it's a powerful connection between people, communities, and the planet. ? We are nourished when we nourish each other and our ecosystems. ? We are stewards of the land, the relationships, and the dreams that sustain us all. When we: ?? Prioritize local farmers, we uplift livelihoods and build a future rooted in care. ?? Deliver fresh, nutritious food to underserved communities, we foster dignity and equity. ?? Collaborate across the food system, we prove that partnerships—not profit alone—truly sustain us. In a world that often prioritizes scale over connection, we're here to flip the script. We're building a new food system: one that values every hand and every heart behind the food on your plate. Together, we're not just eating—we're creating a future where abundance is shared, diversity is honored, and ecosystems thrive. ?? This is why we do what we do. Join us in reimagining the way we feed each other. #GrowingTogether #SupportLocal #CommunityDriven #StrongerTogether #OurMission

??? Producer Spotlight: Sugar Moon Mushrooms ??? From pandemic roots to thriving year-round, Sugar Moon Mushrooms is redefining what it means to grow local! Born out of a challenging time, Sugar Moon stepped up when our communities needed it most—delivering fresh, flavorful, and nutrient-packed mushrooms to tables across the region. ???? Growing on the eastern plains with minimal infrastructure isn't easy, but Sugar Moon's team has shown grit, heart, and determination, making magic out of mushrooms and turning dreams into reality. Today, Sugar Moon is paying it forward, sharing their wisdom with youth and budding mushroom farmers who aspire to cultivate their own delicious fungi one day. ?????????????? Through mentorship and hands-on learning, they're nurturing the next generation of growers who will carry forward a resilient, sustainable food system. This is more than farming; it's community-building at its finest. We're beyond grateful to call Sugar Moon Mushrooms a partner in our mission for a fair, sustainable, and thriving food system. Here's to their journey, their impact, and their unstoppable spirit! ????? #ProducerSpotlight #SugarMoonMushrooms #GrowingTogether #FarmToTable #MushroomMagic #SupportLocal #CommunityDriven

???? Partnership Spotlight: Weld RE-4 School District ???? "East Denver Food Hub makes it possible for us to procure all types of produce from different local farmers and get us the numbers we need. We serve about 8,500 students every single day, and that's a large volume. It's a big administrative lift for us to source from all these local farms, but with East Denver Food Hub, we have a one-stop shop. I can get local apples, corn, butternut squash—all types of things—just by contacting East Denver Food Hub. They help us actually get this food on the kids' trays, which wouldn't be possible without this partnership." - Maura Benton We're excited to partner with Weld RE-4 School District to bring the best local veggies to students' plates, transforming school food one meal at a time! Our commitment goes beyond supplying fresh produce—we're here to support the nutrition directors and school food authorities who work tirelessly to provide healthy meals within tight budgets, strict guidelines, and complex USDA regulations. ?????? Our experienced food advisors understand the challenges you face and the dedication it takes to nourish students each day. We're versed in school lunch programs, USDA grants, and local food sourcing, ready to guide and support every step of the way. We recognize the hard and vital work that goes into making every meal count, and we're here to help make the process easier—whether it's navigating compliance or maximizing funding to increase fresh, local options. Together with Weld RE-4, we're bringing nutritious choices directly to the cafeteria, empowering students with real food from our local farms. We've got your back! ???? #SchoolFoodRevolution #WeldRE4 #LocalVeggies #CommunityPartners #NutritionForAll #FarmToSchool #SupportingSchools

Today, we're shining a spotlight on the dynamic duo, Yohandry and Jose! ?? Their unwavering commitment and positive attitude light up our team. They understand the impact of their work and deliver fresh, local food with dedication every single day. We are truly blessed to have them on our journey towards a more sustainable food system. #LocalFoodHeroes #CommunityChampions #FarmToTable #DenverEats #ChefsOfDenver #LocalProduce #TasteTheRockies #SourcedInDenver #SupportLocal #FreshFlavors

?? Join us on November 15th from 6:30-8:00 pm for a transformative Artist Conversation with PlatteForum, where our Co-Founder and CEO, Roberto Meza, will be joining Linda Appel Lipsius of Denver Urban Gardens?and PlatteForum's ArtLab Interns to discuss critical issues shaping our communities and planet. This unique event creates space for youth to lead the way, interviewing activists and experts on cross-sector topics like environmentalism, racial equity, and mental health. Through candid conversations, we'll be envisioning a future where art, activism, and community action come together for real change. ?? Let's explore how food, art, and purpose intersect to nurture resilient communities and foster solutions to urgent issues. We hope to see you there! ?? November 15th ? 6:30-8:00 pm ?? Hosted by PlatteForum? ??? https://lnkd.in/gMvQYb27 #FoodService #DenverArtScene #DenverEvents #ThingsToDoInDenver

Your feedback means the world to us! If our work has made an impact on you, would you take a moment to share your experience? Your Google Review helps us continue growing, improving, and serving our community even better. ?? Simply follow the link below and let us know what you think! Each review supports our mission and inspires others to join us on this journey. Thank you for being a part of our community! ??? ?? https://lnkd.in/gDcmZYcQ

Every Wednesday, we gather around the table for a family-style lunch. It's more than just a meal—it's our chance to connect, share stories, and nurture the relationships that keep our mission alive. Our work wouldn't be possible without the passion, dedication, and teamwork each member brings daily. This crew understands the impact we're making, and they show up ready to make it happen—one step, one connection at a time. ?? Here's to the awesome people who make it all possible. ??? #TeamCulture #BetterTogether #CommunityBuilders #StrongerTogether #OurMission

?? Taste the freshness, savor the impact! Emerald Gardens grows microgreens with purpose—each leaf is packed with nutrients, vibrant flavor, and a commitment to sustainable farming. From chefs to home kitchens, our microgreens add a burst of taste and color to any dish, all while honoring the planet. ???? Grown right here in Colorado, every tray is a step towards a greener future. Ready to garnish your plate with goodness? #Hospitality #FoodService #EatLocal #SupportFarmers #SustainableFood #LocalLove