Provender Alliance, which began in 1977, is a non-profit membership organization providing networking, outreach, and education to natural foods and related companies doing business in the Northwest. The word "provender" means provisions or foodstuffs. Part of the reason the industry is so strong in the Northwest is due to efforts of Provender Alliance members and the annual Provender conference.
Members currently represent nearly 200 retailers, distributors, manufacturers, brokers, consultants, and individuals from Northern California, Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, British Columbia, and Alaska, plus areas outside of the Northwest.