Slow and Steady
A mission. A community. A snail. Slow Food Indy, a local chapter of an international movement, is inviting the Central Indiana community to a table with more sustainable, equitable and healthful foods. As the Indianapolis organization continues to expand, we will see more Slow Food practices in local restaurants, grocery stores and farms. The Slow Food ideology might just change how some people think about food.
GOOD. CLEAN. FAIR.
Those three words form the heart of the international Slow Food movement, founded in Italy in 1989. Slow Food USA emerged in 2000, eventually growing to a network of over 200 local chapters across the country. Slow Food Indy launched in 2004 to bring the tenants of the slow food movement to Indianapolis.
“We inspire individuals and communities to change the world through food that is good, clean and fair for all,” according to the Slow Food Movement’s mission statement. “Good” relates to nutrition and diversity in ecosystems and societies. “Clean” represents the need to protect natural resources and promote local and sustainable food. “Fair” emerges in the organization’s invitation for all to participate as well as fighting for dignity of labor from field to fork.
The local chapter not only raises awareness about the broader Slow Food movement, but also introduces Slow Food practices to the Indianapolis community. This includes tenants of food justice, accessibility and sustainability.
“We connect consumers in Central Indiana with local, sustainable farms and restaurants through educational programs, hands-on workshops, farm tours and delicious meals,” explains Slow Food Indy. The chapter is chaired by Twinkle Van Winkle, the new Executive Chef of the Patachou Foundation.
Little by little, Slow Food Indy shifts the local dynamics and economics of food in Indianapolis by promoting a more sustainable food culture for all.
The red Snail of Approval logo identifies farms, restaurants, artisans and grocers with slow food business practices
SNAIL OF APPROVAL
The Snail of Approval program, launched by Slow Food Indy in 2012, honors the local businesses that demonstrate a commitment to the Slow Food principles of good, clean and fair food. The award recognizes farms, restaurants, artisans and grocers with business practices such as attention to seasonal ingredients, local product sourcing and sustainable business practices. Slow Food Indy encourages consumers to support these businesses and the values they uphold.
CALL TO ACTION
Interested in getting involved with Slow Food Indy? The organization offers plenty of volunteer opportunities for those who want to learn more about its mission without too much commitment.
Slow Food Indy also invites the Central Indiana community to its January Community Potluck on January 27 where attendees can learn about the Slow Food movement and hear “Snail Tails” from a local farmer, chef and brewer. The event just asks that attendees “bring a dish to share. Bring your thoughts to share. Bring your hugs to share.”
When you come to the table, come ready to be inspired, too.
The Slow Food movement invites everyone to come to the table for food that is good, clean and fair for all
