Mesquite Fresh Street Mex, a modern Mexican grab-and-go brand, announced a one-day partnership with Waste Not, a local nonprofit that works to eliminate food waste and hunger, on Sept. 25, National Quesadilla Day. The restaurant will donate $1 from all quesadilla sales across all ten restaurants to Waste Not to benefit the nonprofit’s food rescue programming.
This give-back initiative is the latest iteration of Mesquite’s ongoing commitment to serving the community. Recent charitable partnerships have been with The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in 2024, the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center during April, which is Autism Awareness & Acceptance Month, and Phoenix Children’s Hospital for a Day of Giving on May 9.
“Mesquite is thrilled to offer this latest easy, yet impactful opportunity to help others – enjoying a meal at Mesquite that day will also put food on the table of a family in need,” said Ahmad Alatrash, co-founder of Mesquite Fresh Street Mex.
Arizona leads the nation in food waste, with more than $9.5 billion worth of food discarded each year. At the same time, one in 10 Arizonans struggle with hunger, uncertain about where their next meal will come from. Waste Not is working to change that. For over 35 years, Waste Not has been on a mission to eliminate food waste and hunger in Arizona by rescuing surplus food and delivering it directly to organizations that serve people in need. In 2024 alone, Waste Not diverted 2.7 million pounds of edible food from landfills – food that would have otherwise gone to waste but instead helped feed Arizonans facing food insecurity.
“We are honored to once again partner with Mesquite Fresh Street Mex in our shared mission to combat food waste and hunger in Arizona,” said Tonia Smith, the development manager at Waste Not. “Collaborations like this not only raise vital awareness but also directly support our efforts to rescue excess food and deliver it to those who need it most. Together, we’re creating a stronger, more sustainable community.”
Every day, perfectly good food is discarded by businesses, restaurants, and events, not because it’s spoiled, but because it’s surplus. Waste Not’s innovative food rescue model intercepts this food and redistributes it to more than 75 nonprofit partners across the Valley. These partners use the food to prepare meals or distribute it directly to individuals and families in need. Waste Not ensures that rescued food reaches shelters, schools, senior centers, and other community hubs the same day it’s collected to maximize freshness and impact. In addition to its daily efforts, Waste Not plays a vital role in recovering food from major events like the WM Phoenix Open, the NCAA Final Four, and the Super Bowl. By turning excess into access, Waste Not is building a more equitable, sustainable, and hunger-free Arizona.
Mesquite Fresh Street Mex specializes in bringing Mexican street food to neighborhoods across the Valley. The signature custom-built mesquite grill featured at all Mesquite locations uses real mesquite wood chips giving the fresh meats a unique and smoky flavor. The brand focuses on incorporating the highest quality ingredients, prepared fresh daily, into every dish. The menu features authentic street tacos, killer burritos, packed protein bowls, big quesadillas, frescas and family meal kits.
