Slow Food West Michigan Causes
Food Diversity
“The defense of food products has always been one of the cornerstones of Slow Food’s activities. From the Ark of Taste, the first Presidia were created, and the Presidia, in turn, gave way to other projects. Increasing the number of products selected for the Ark has become ever more urgent. If the association loses this sensitivity, it risks losing its raison d’être”. Carlo Petrini
Across the USA, Slow Food members foster biodiversity in gardens, schools, farms, ranches and waterways. We draw attention to endangered foods by cataloging them in the Ark of Taste. Chapters support producers and educate their community through tastings, dinners and celebrations. Groups of producers organize to form Presidia around at-risk foods. Internationally, the Slow Food Foundation for Biodiversity runs a variety of programs to safeguard and increase biodiversity in the global food system.
Food Education
Slow Food believes that by understanding where our food comes from, how it was produced and by whom, adults and children can learn how to combine pleasure and responsibility in daily choices and appreciate the cultural and social importance of food.
Our education projects differ from most food education as they are based on the idea that food means pleasure, culture and conviviality. Our education initiatives are organized for varied audiences of children and adults, teachers, Slow Food members and the general public, and form an integral part of Slow Food events and campaigns.
They take many different forms: school gardens, guided tastings, farm visits, knowledge exchange between generations, practical workshops and meals with producers.
Local Food Sustainability
Slow Food West Michigan works to support the small farmer, local artisans and preserves cultural food traditions. This is frequently seen via fundraising events that support local non-profits.
Local non-profits that we frequently merge efforts with are:
Our Kitchen Table
Well House
SECOM
Baxter Community Center
Family Network of Wyoming
Our focus on local food sustainability is also demonstrated through the promotion of our Snail of Approval program. The Snail of Approval program helps recognize and promote local restaurants, bars, food and beverage artisans, stores and markets and the like that, because of their contributions to the quality, authenticity and sustainability of the food supply of the West Michigan region, have been awarded the Slow Food West Michigan Snail of Approval.
About Us
Slow Food West Michigan is the West Michigan chapter of Slow Food, a non-profit, member-supported organization founded in 1989 to counteract fast food and fast life.