If you've listened to my past interviews with both the Larimer and Weld County Food Banks, then you know that hunger is a serious issue in Northern Colorado.

The problem gets worse — up to 40% of produced food ends up wasted in the landfill.

While most would deem that statistic too dismal to do anything about it, environmentalist Nathan Shaw decided to create Vindeket Foods, a non-profit grocery store working to provide rescued food to the Northern Colorado community.

"I saw the sheer amount of waste in our dumpsters and knew I had to do something about it," said Shaw.

A short time after this realization, Shaw partnered with another local non-profit, Serve 6.8, to start fighting food waste. Since opening the store, Shaw estimates that Vindeket Foods has been able to save an average of 10,000 pounds of a food each week.

The store is located at 1239 E. Drake Rd. in Fort Collins, and is open to everyone on Sundays (noon-2 p.m.) and Tuesdays (2-7 p.m.). The store also follows a pay-what-you-can method, making it the ideal place to shop for those struggling with finances.

Aside from popping in the store, you can also experience An Evening with Vindeket Foods this Sunday, September 29th at The Welsh Rabbit Bistro at 5 p.m. The event will provide participants with an upscale dinner created entirely from rescued food.

"I thought it would be a fun idea to show what we do with the food," said Shaw, explaining that chefs will treat attendees to a four-course meal. "There will be live-entertainment, great food, great drinks, and great community."

Tickets can be purchased on their website, where you can also explore ways to volunteer and donate to help fight food waste.

To learn more about the event and Vindeket Foods, listen to the full interview with Nathan Shaw below.

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