We at New Hope Network share the deep sadness and outrage the world is experiencing over the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others who have died as a result of systemic racism and the abuse of power. We mourn these deaths and offer our sincere condolences to the families, friends and community members who have lost their loved ones. Racism must end, as must the systems of power that enable and hide it. 

We believe black lives matter and stand in solidarity with everyone working toward justice and equality, including the new J.E.D.I Collaborative, which was created to break down systemic barriers to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion for all people within the natural and organic products industry and broader food system.

We all are bound by our need for food and nourishment, and we have enabled a food system where some have what they need and more and others are neglected and even exploited—as has been made painfully clear during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now is the time to collectively build a more equitable food system and ensure that access to healthy food and nutrition is available to all and not just to those of us who are privileged enough to afford it.

Now is the time to address the injustices and exploitation within our supply chains.

And now is the time for us to actively create access, opportunity and funding for people of color within our industry.

Through these actions, we can be allies for positive change and for building the more just, equitable, diverse and inclusive world we all deserve.