To Our Naturally San Diego Network,
We write to you today, not only as members of the San Diego natural-products community, but as people, deeply disheartened and concerned about the current state of affairs in our country. As we weather through the difficulties associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and a struggling economy, we are witnessing the severe social injustice taking place in our own backyard and across the Nation.
As an organization, we stand firmly against racism, police brutality and the horrific murder of George Floyd and the countless others preceding him. These are merely examples of systemic racism the Black community has been faced with, not just recently, but for centuries. This inequity is a problem; one in which we’ve been shaken and moved at our core to address.
We believe the collection of our differences ― across gender, race, religion, sexual orientation and abilities ― is what makes us a community. This is who we are, what we stand for, and anything less is simply unacceptable.
At Naturally San Diego, our mission is rooted in conscious business practices that foster a sense of community and regeneration. We recognize that the San Diego community and greater natural products industry is suffering from a lack of diversity and inclusion, and that there is so much work to be done in both the short and long term to change that.
Most importantly, we recognize we have a platform and a privilege we must use as a force for this change, near and far.
Together, we need to work together in a peaceful but constructive manner, to not only end racism and discrimination in all its forms, but encourage and empower systemic diversity amongst our network and industry.
While we are just getting started offering value to our network, members and sponsors through education and networking, you will be seeing more from us in the form of diversity and inclusion, beginning with an internal committee dedicated to guiding these efforts. We are committed to implementing efforts and goals, both within Naturally San Diego and in our contributions to the greater natural products industry.
In the meantime, we intend for Naturally San Diego to be a resource for information and opportunities where you can share your voice, join a protest, and support Black-owned businesses.
Please see our initial lists via the links below and know we welcome your ideas, opportunities, events and resources to share, so we can continue providing value to you, our community. You may contact us on any of our social media channels or submit to the form below.
Black-owned restaurants to support in San Diego – List HERE
Black-owned CPG Brands to support – List HERE
Local organizations to support anti-racism in San Diego – List HERE
To our members, sponsors and extended natural-products community: We hope you’ll join us in this fight.
Here’s to real change and contributing to it together,
The Naturally San Diego Board of Directors
Amit Pandhi, CEO of Velocity Snack Brands
Amy Beaver, CMO of Organifi
Ari Raz, Cofounder and President of Once Upon a Farm
Chris Hunter, CEO of Koia
Darcy Shiber-Knowles, Director of Operational Sustainability & Innovation at Dr. Bronner’s
Douglas Raggio, CEO of Bias and Blindspots
Grant Ferrier, Founder of Nutrition Business Journal and Nutrition Capital Network
Jeanne Wilson, Marketing Director at Kashi
Jessica Windell, Sr. Communications Manager at Perfect Snacks
Natalie Todd-Morse, VP of Marketing at Chosen Foods
Sam Zaiser, Client Executive; Food and Bev Practice at Marsh and McLennan
Sara Brooks, Founder and CEO of Covet PR
Thad Benshoof , CEO of Homegrown Meats
Greg Rose, CMO at Suja
Matt Clifford, Co-Founder of Barnana
Whitney Eckis, Founder and CEO of Eckis Marketing
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