Slow Food: Food that is Good, Clean, & Fair

I was recently introduced to the Slow Food Movement, a cool greener trend that I had never heard of. Have you? Well, to crib heavily from the slowfoodusa.org website, Slow Food is a way of living and eating that links food to the community and the environment. The name is a bit of a dig at “fast food,” as in slow food is the opposite of fast food and fast food culture.

So, what exactly is Slow Food and what do these folks do? From the Slow Food website:

• Raising public awareness, improving access and encouraging the enjoyment of foods that are local, seasonal and sustainably grown.
• Caring for the land and protecting biodiversity for today’s communities and future generations
• Performing educational outreach within their communities and working with children in schools and through public programs.
• Identifying, promoting and protecting fruits, vegetables, grains, animal breeds, wild foods and cooking traditions at risk of disappearance.
• Advocating for farmers and artisans who grow, produce, market, prepare and serve wholesome food.
• Promoting the celebration of food as a cornerstone of pleasure, culture and community.

Why Slow Food?

Slow Food promotes foods that are locally grown and grown clean, that is organically and using methods that have a positive impact on the environment. Slow Food also celebrates regional diversity, foods that are in season, and fair compensation for farmers, something that isn’t typically on the radar of folks who shop at Publix and WalMart.

The Slow Food motto is good, clean, and fair.

How Can You Get Involved?

One thing a newbie can do is to start buying from a farmer’s market and confirming the food was indeed grown by a local farmer. Obviously, joining your local chapter and getting involved is a good step, too. Besides raising community awareness of where and how food is produced, your local chapters will put on events, many of which will feature great food and beverage, so getting involved can be a real treat.

BTW, when you buy from a farmer’s market, the foods are typically MUCH cheaper, so you’re saving cash and supporting local business.

Also, be sure to look around your town for restaurants that are hip to the Slow Food Movement…I recently discovered the Harmoni Market in my hometown that features locally grown foods, from coffee, cheeses, breads, to full meals. Harmoni is totally rad and everything they sell is DELICIOUS!

Be sure to spend a few minutes browing the Slow Food USA website, and while you’re there, pick up a membership…proceeds support a cool, eco-friendly organization. Membership cost is $60 for an individual, $75 for couples.

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Tagged as: farmer's market, fast food, Harmoni, Slow Food, snail