From January 19 to 21, the Specialty Food Association (SFA) hosted the Winter Fancy Food Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, featuring approximately 1,100 companies and a wide array of specialty food products. The event concluded with a significant initiative aimed at addressing food insecurity in the local community. Exhibitors contributed over 15,000 pounds of surplus specialty food and beverages to Three Square Food Bank, which serves as Southern Nevada’s primary food bank and largest hunger relief organization, covering Clark, Lincoln, Esmeralda, and Nye counties.
Jennifer Carney, the Director of Tradeshow and Event Operations for SFA, emphasized the importance of this food rescue initiative, highlighting the association’s long-standing relationship with Nevada and Las Vegas. The donations included a variety of products such as plant-based items, meat and cheese, confections, breads, coffee, tea, oils, vinegars, pasta, and snacks.
Beth Martino, President and CEO of Three Square Food Bank, acknowledged the generosity of the Specialty Food Association, noting that the donation would facilitate the provision of more than 18,000 meals to individuals facing food insecurity in the area. She reiterated the critical role of partnerships like that of SFA in supporting ongoing food rescue efforts, particularly in a community where one in seven individuals experiences food insecurity.