ANAHEIM, Calif. — Three Informa trade shows held in Southern California — Natural Products Expo West, MD&M West and Sustainable Manufacturing Expo/WestPack — are working together to provide help for people affected by the devastating California wildfires.
Natural Products Expo West, which is produced by New Hope Network and held in conjunction with the Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace, will take place March 4-7 at the Anaheim Convention Center. The country’s largest annual event for natural, organic and conscious consumer-packaged goods will provide a $35,000 donation to Second Harvest Food Bank. In addition, leftover materials — furniture from booths and packaged foods — will be donated to local nonprofits, including Habitat for Humanity.
Related. Southern California Wildfires: Updates, Resources and Impacted Events
Second Harvest Food Bank has already provided those impacted by the fires with truckloads of water and snacks, and 16,000 N95 masks. Its sister organization, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, is also providing ongoing relief and support.
“We are proud to support Second Harvest Food Bank in their critical mission to keep families well-fed and cared for,” Danica Cullins, Executive Vice President, Health & Nutrition at Informa Markets, said. “California has always been a cornerstone of the healthy and organic foods industry, and this donation is a small way for us to give back to the people who mean so much to our industry.
“The outpouring of support for the victims and families affected by the recent fires in Southern California has been truly inspiring. While the immediate threat has subsided, we remain committed to helping the community as they embark on the challenging journey of rebuilding, and navigating the complex and often lengthy process of recovery and reconstruction.”
This follows on the heels of a $15,000 donation — with double donation matching — to the West Side Food Bank by two other Informa shows: MD&M West and the co-located Sustainable Manufacturing Expo/WestPack. At the shows, which took place at the Anaheim Convention Center Feb. 4-6, QR codes displayed throughout linked to an Amazon shopping list of items available for donation. The team also organized an on-site blood drive, hosted by the American Red Cross.
Collective efforts from these shows will result in more than $50,000 to support California’s communities.
