This year, New Hope Network replaced its Hall of Legends Awards with the first Community Purpose and Impact Awards, which recognize people and organizations working to move the natural products industry forward.

New Hope Network's Content Marketing Director Fran Schoenwetter presented the awards on March 10 at Natural Products Expo West. This year, the Justice Award was presented to two organizations for significant accomplishments in the areas of food justice, climate justice or healthy food access.

(included), a membership collective for top BIPOC executives in consumer packaged goods companies, is dedicated to supporting members' success, advocating for diverse representation, and amplifying BIPOC voices and brands in CPG and naturals. Ryan Pintado-Vertner, founder and principal at Smoketown, a consultancy, spoke with Schoenwetter after the awards ceremony.

"The impact we're trying to have is creating a space where CEOs and founders of color can support one another to increase the odds of their being successful," says Pintado-Vertner, who is one of the founder of the organization.

The other organization honored with the Justice Award was Project Potluck is to help people of color build successful companies and career in the consumer packaged goods industry. www.potluckcpg.org Watch Ibraheem Basir's video here.

In addition to the Justice Award, individuals, activists, businesses and organizations are eligible for these honors: