Slow Food USA

Slow Food USA gathers likely and unlikely allies to transform the way we produce, consume, and enjoy food.

GATHER

We are grassroots activists, policymakers, chefs, winemakers, cheese mongers, farmers, educators and food lovers gathering in this vast network for a common good. We collaborate online, locally, nationally, and via international events.

We build momentum through strategic partnerships. Slow Food began as a grassroots movement of concerned individuals changing the world. As our movement matures, we are increasingly connecting the foodies and the activists and other local heroes with each other and with food-forward influencers, consumer groups, and policymakers.

It’s all about the Greens in 2023!

Slow Food Programs

  • Plant a Seed/Share a Seed: Each year, we put together a cast of rare and biodiverse seeds that tell a story. This year, we are celebrating beans! This curated kit includes beans from each of the six regions in the United States with a unique relationship to the land and people there. When you grow beans, you positively impact soils, land use, water use, biodiversity and directly combat climate change.

  • Ark of Taste: We promote sustainable agriculture, support small-scale food producers, and preserve traditional foods, knowledge and Presidia (groups of artisan producers).

  • Cooks’ Alliance: Cooks’ Alliance members continually strive to implement the values of Slow Food in their restaurant or establishment by procuring and highlighting Ark of Taste ingredients on menus, cooking for chapter events and focusing on the ethical and environmentally friendly practices in their restaurants.

  • Food and Farm Policy: The Slow Food USA Food and Farm Policy Steering Committee brings together diverse stakeholders from our network, and beyond, to advocate at every level of government for policies that will help forge the political, social, environmental, and economic links of a food chain that is good, clean, and fair for all.

  • School Garden Network: Slow Food USA’s School Garden Network aims to reconnect youth with their food by teaching them how to grow, cook and enjoy real food. Through increased confidence, knowledge gain and skill building, we want to empower children to become active participants in their food choices. By becoming informed eaters, today’s children will help make a positive impact on the larger world of food and farming well into the future.

  • Snailblazers: Since 2017, we have honored individuals and communities that are furthering the mission of Slow Food throughout the country. The Snailblazer Award is an official honor given to the most dedicated leaders in our community, who are deeply committed to local, sustainable and fair food systems. They’re the heart and soul of change-making in the world of food, and each is a true example of what it means to bring good, clean and fair food to all.

  • Youth Network (SFYN): The SFYN connects the up-and-coming generation of passionate Slow Food members around the globe. Spurred by extra energy, innovative ideas and solutions that uphold the Slow Food philosophy are shared.

  • Slow Books: Slow Books is a curated list of books and resources that speak to Slow Food values. We hope to connect readers with food writing that inspires thought and discussion about the food you love, diverse food cultures, historical foodways, food justice and the joy of eating. Great for Gift Giving!

  • Slow Fish: Slow Fish is an international campaign and series of gatherings that bring together fish harvesters with chefs, youth, farmers, and seafood eaters. The goal is to turn the tide away from industrial seafood and toward the blue commons and seafood that is good, clean, and fair for all.

  • Slow Meat: Slow Meat educates the masses about the faults of cheap meat, the exploitation of labor and livestock, and the excessive consumption of meat in the USA. Meat is a pivotal issue, emblematic of the unsustainable and unethical practices that are part and parcel of the industrial food system. By championing better methods of animal husbandry and better consumption practices, together we are creating a healthier and happier world.

  • Slow Seed: Seed advocates from around the world gathered virtually to discuss the regeneration of our world’s foodways to advance good, clean and fair food for all. Members - check out the site to view May 2022 Summit archive.

  • Slow Food Terra Madre Salone del Gusto: The regenerative message of Terra Madre 2022 was an invitation to all visitors: to develop a fresh outlook and new enthusiasm for the future of our food. An outlook that considers food the key to regenerating our planet, and a bridge to peace. This is the message that the words, actions of our representatives all express.

Together around specific issues, we campaign to make cultural shifts for food that is good, clean, and fair for all. Join us!

Learn more

Check out Slow Food Live to watch, learn and engage from national Slow Food experts and educators.