Summer Fancy Food Show Contributes to Anti-Hunger Programs

Exhibitors at the Summer Fancy Food Show in Washington, D.C., donated more than 135,000 pounds of specialty chocolate, cheese, olive oil, pasta sauces, meats and produce – enough to fill six tractor-trailers – to the Capital Area Food Bank.

The food was collected at the end of the three-day event by 340 volunteers who fanned out across the exhibit halls to gather food from exhibitors from all over the world.

In addition to the food donation, the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade Inc. (NASFT), the show’s owner, made contributions of $30,000 to World Central Kitchen and DC Central Kitchen, anti-hunger organizations supported by Chef José Andrés, the noted chef and culinary innovator. Andrés served as keynote speaker and presenter of the sofi Awards for the outstanding specialty foods and beverages of the year. The donations were made in lieu of a speaking fee for Andrés.

“Our exhibitors have a wonderful tradition of giving back,” said Ann Daw, president of the NASFT. “José Andrés is a passionate advocate for ending hunger, and we are so pleased that we can help support his efforts.”