Most Interesting Non-Profit Companies Coming To Expo West 2026
Each year, Expo West gathers some of the most innovative companies and changemakers in the natural products industry. This blog post is for the non-profits. The charities that mean the most to my industry are those in the natural foods industry. After the same old food and wellness trends, the most inspiring work is being done by the non-profits. They get their own room together in the mail hall. Some are reshaping the food systems, others are tackling inequality, and more are there than ever to ensure that good food reaches those who need it most.
Here’s a look at the most interesting non-profits for the upcoming 2026 event:
Artificial Intelligence Institute For Next Generation Food Systems
The Artificial Intelligence Institute for Next Generation Food Systems (AIFS) is part of the University of California at Davis. a federally funded research initiative that brings together universities, industry, and government agencies. They are applying artificial intelligence (AI) to challenges in the food system. It was established in 2020.
Why are they great? Their purpose is noble and future-facing. They are doing research work on supply chain, human health, and infrastructure. This will be the future of farming knowledge.
- Food Processing
- Distribution
- Ethics
- Socioeconomics
- Agricultural Production
- Molecular Breeding
- Nutrition
Jim Pantaleo is in charge of the work between the university and the businesses, like myself, that could use the information. It is also about getting the information out there. Staying at the very cutting edge of research.
Safe Food Alliance
At Expo West, I met Annette Magee of the Safe Food Alliance. They are a non-profit out of Sacramento, CA. They have been working on food safety as an organization for over 100 years. I could speak with them for hours about lab testing, training, and certifications.
Nutrient Density Alliance
Here is what I learned from Mary Purdy, with the Nutrient Density Alliance, who is running an innovative new project to explore how food production practices influence nutritional quality. I am interested in American-grown nuts, dried fruit, and seeds, but they are covering a lot more than that. Developing nutrient profiles for raw food ingredients will open new certification options for customers, covering lab and soil testing results. That is so cool. I can’t wait to see what they come up with for supermarket customers over the coming years.
Rodale Institute
Where do I start? I live close to the Rodale Institute. They do an incredible job teaching farmers new techniques. They also host an Annual Organic Field Day each July at their headquarters in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. I have always wanted to go. People talk glowingly about the education and research in farming at Rodale. They have won a ton of awards.
Habitat For Humanity
It’s not just food that gets reused after the show. Habitat for Humanity partnered with Expo West to repurpose booth furniture, construction materials, and other resources. Instead of heading to landfills, these items were given new life through affordable housing projects and community initiatives. It’s a simple but powerful example of how sustainability can extend beyond the food industry.
Waymakers
A standout nonprofit presence at Expo West was Waymakers, a California-based organization that helps individuals navigate crisis and conflict. With a support counter inside the convention center, Waymakers provided a visible reminder that true sustainability includes supporting human well-being. Their presence brought an important layer of compassion and community to the bustling trade floor.
J.E.D.I. Collaborative And Naturally Proud Network
This is about justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. into its mission of building an inclusive industry through partnerships with several nonprofit organizations.
Plant-Based Foods Association (PBFA)
While structured as a trade association, the Plant Based Foods Association plays a nonprofit-style advocacy role for plant-based innovation. At Expo West 2025, PBFA hosted consumer insight sessions and partnered with NSF International for a Certified Plant-Based Expert Hour. Their work helps elevate plant-based brands while ensuring consumers have trusted, accessible options.
Why These Nonprofits Matter
What makes these organizations so compelling is their ability to connect business with purpose. From food access and waste reduction to equity and advocacy, they remind the industry that growth doesn’t just come from new products—it comes from building systems that are fairer, more inclusive, and more sustainable.
As Expo West continues to evolve, the presence of these nonprofits ensures the event remains not only a marketplace of ideas and innovation but also a gathering rooted in values. For attendees, exhibitors, and consumers alike, they are proof that the natural products movement is about more than just profit—it’s about building a better world.
