Welcoming New Partners - East Denver Food Hub

The Barton Institute is pleased to be working with East Denver Food Hub (EDFH) to help with a special project funded by Denver’s Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE). Co-founded in 2020 by David Demerling and Roberto Meza, EDFH supports local farmers and producers, ensuring healthy food access for everyone.

DDPHE is funding EDFH to work with community members and partners to determine how light-processed foods could become part of a healthy and resilient food ecosystem for Denver residents.

In response to community interests, EDFH plans to increase its cold storage capacity and engage with additional suppliers to support light food processing, including items like sliced carrots and potatoes. This expansion aims to meet the requirements of institutional food procurements, particularly for public schools. Aligned with the Denver 2030 Food Vision objectives, this project emphasizes the importance of expanding and preserving regional food system resources and infrastructure, advocating for environmentally sustainable food systems, and tackling food waste issues.

“The Barton Institute is honored to help Roberto and his team as they continue to expand the amount of healthy food available for low-income Denver residents,” says Dan Lee, the Barton Institute CFO and COO. East Denver Food Hub is a long-time supplier of produce for the weekly food share run by Kaizen Food Rescue and Commún, a current program partner of the Barton Institute.