The National Coop Grocers Association (NCG) hosted their annual Convergence gathering in St. Paul in mid-August. Three hundred sixty-five co-op members from around the country met and enjoyed workshops and a vendor showcase that featured 265 brands. This year’s event beneficiary was “Project Potluck”.
Each year, NCG unites with industry partners and exhibitors on a fundraising effort during the Focus on Fresh and Co+nvergence Vendor Showcase events. The 2025 beneficiary is Project Potluck. NCG is supporting Project Potluck’s work to empower People of Color to build successful companies and careers in the Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG) industry. NCG advocates for inclusive economies and racial equity, including within food co-op supply chains. The products we eat, drink, and use on our bodies should reflect the diversity of consumers. But CPG founders, leaders and professionals are overwhelmingly white. Project Potluck is here to change that. Since its founding in 2020, Project Potluck has grown to include over 1500 members and has served over 300 mentees in its mentorship program. Project Potluck is dedicated to enabling access and closing gaps in representation by connecting People of Color to the resources they need to build successful careers and companies in the CPG industry. With a focus on expanding networks, increasing access to mentorship, and providing critical funding, Project Potluck is contributing to a stronger, more inclusive, and equitable CPG industry. This year, NCG will donate $150,000 to Project Potluck in support of our advocacy work on inclusive economies and racial equity. This year’s Co+nvergence showcase was followed by an afterparty at the Amsterdam Bar & Hall with BBQ, mocktails and cocktails and a live band and karaoke.
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