Celebrating Earth Week: Local organizations partner to save millions of pounds of food

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates Americans waste up to 40% of our food. King Soopers and Care and Share are trying to lower that figure as the world celebrates Earth Week.

King Soopers said it donated over 5 million pounds of food to food banks across Colorado in 2025. Those donations in Southern Colorado went to Care and Share.

The donations include proteins, like frozen beef and chicken. Care and Share said protein is one of the hardest foods to properly distribute to the community. Instead of ending up in the landfill, King Soopers freezes the meat it can no longer sell, but is still good to eat.

"Proteins are hard to get. It's expensive food, so we see proteins and healthy, nutritious food that comes from King Soopers right to the neighbors that we serve, and we're so proud," Care and Share CEO Nate Springer said.

This Earth Day week, Care and Share said households can practice the same initiative. Instead of throwing out old cans and snacks that have yet to expire, you can keep them out of the landfill by donating to your local food bank.