Welcome to the inspiring story behind Kaizen Food Rescue, a grassroots nonprofit organization that serves as a beacon of hope and resilience in our community.

It all began with a simple act of kindness when Thai and Shawn volunteered to collect fresh food from Food Bank of the Rockies for their children's school. Little did they know that this small gesture would plant the seeds for a transformative journey. Thai Nguyen, the driving force behind Kaizen Food Rescue, embodies a narrative woven from a rich tapestry of diverse experiences. Born amidst the aftermath of the Vietnam War, Thai's early years were marked by the harsh realities of malnutrition in refugee camps and the upheaval caused by Hurricane Andrew. Enduring periods of youth homelessness further shaped her perspective, instilling in her a profound empathy for those facing adversity.

Despite the challenges, Thai's resilience shone through. Her professional journey spanning over two decades stands as a testament to her unwavering determination and adaptability. From consumer and B2B marketing to international events management, her expertise knows no bounds. However, it was her passion for community service that truly ignited her spirit.

As the founder and executive director of Kaizen Food Rescue, Thai leads with a vision to address food apartheid and promote food justice. Under her guidance, Kaizen, their partners and volunteers has distributed over 14.5 million pounds of fresh food, positively impacting hundreds of thousands of families across 100 different zip codes. This remarkable achievement underscores Thai's commitment to making a tangible difference in people's lives.

Yet, Thai's influence extends far beyond Kaizen. She actively engages in various community roles, advocating for policy reform and serving as a catalyst for change. From her involvement with the Jeffco Food Policy Council and Denver Sustainable Food Policy Council to her contributions to the Office of New Americans Community Advisory Committee, Thai's dedication to empowering her community remains unwavering.

In Thai's story, we discover a profound testament to the indomitable human spirit. Her immigrant journey serves as a poignant reminder that even in the face of adversity, one can rise above and effect transformative change. As you navigate through our website and delve deeper into the mission of Kaizen Food Rescue, we extend an invitation for you to join us in our quest to promote food justice and health equity in communities grappling with food apartheid in the Denver Metro area.