Denver entrepreneur leans on mentorship to get fresh food to communities in need [Video]

DENVER — A Denver entrepreneur whose dream of getting fresh food into the hands of communities in need is getting some much needed help thanks to the mentorship of a Denver nonprofit which works to elevate Latino leaders.

At a warehouse in Denver, a tightly-knit team packs fresh produce into boxes. Palisade peaches, onions and jalapeño peppers — all grown in Colorado farms.

“This is all local food. It’s higher quality, the shelf life is better, the flavor is better and it’s just a beautiful harmony of producer, supplier and customer,” said Roberto Meza, the entrepreneur who launched the East Denver Food Hub four years ago.

Meza got started growing produce at his own farm, Emerald Gardens.

“We’re growing sustainably year-round in greenhouses and shipping containers,” he said.

But at first, he faced challenges getting that food into communities.