How to Join the Slow Food Movement

Those familiar with Slow Food, or simply those who attempt to deduce the implications of the organization's name, seem to believe Slow Food International is simply an anti-fast-food campaign. But its much more than that, with fast food simply representing much of what Slow Food is not. The "eco-gastronimcal" organization, begun in Italy in 1986 by Carlo Petrini, was sparked, in large part, by the quickly emerging international fast-food market. But it's aim is not the demise of McDonald's. Rather, Slow Food serves to promote the preservation of local foods and local growing. It recognizes the cultural and regional tradition of food--a tradition it doesn't want to see lost--and concerns itself with the global impact of commercially produced goods on our environmental and cultural philosophy. If you're dismayed by the ubiquity of low-quality food and enjoy eating for more than nutritional value alone, think about joining Slow Food.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Read the literature. Slow Food has a number of publications that serve its members. With a presence in more than 120 countries, you're bound to find a read in the language and region of your choosing. Most publications, including "The Snail," a quarterly print newsletter, and "The Food Chain," a monthly e-newsletter, are available to paid members. However, free excerpts are available at Slow Food USA or Slow Food International. A few books can be purchased there, as well, that offer insight into the movement's mission. Understand what it is before considering joining.

2. Attend their events. In nearly every country in which Slow Food operates, it hosts events almost monthly. They range from tastings (sake, chocolate, cheese, to name a few) to agricultural conferences. The cost of attendance is sometimes a bit higher for non-members, but not much. The events, even more than the publications, are an example of the organization's range. Because it's not just about eating locally and preserving tradition. The movement also wants to promote and improve agricultural processes, making some of the efficiency of commercial production available at the local level.

3. Research your local convivia and its meetings. Nearly every region represents its membership through a convivia or chapter. Here, you'll be introduced to and meet other Slow Food members in your city, and reap some of the local benefits of joining, even if your commitment is a passive one. Local events are held and publications sent out. These are on a smaller scale than international offshoots, but more relevant to your daily life than, say, what's happening at the Slow Food headquarters in Bra, Italy. You'll also have better access to some of the movement's international events held throughout Europe and Asia. Some are explicitly about food, while others, such as film competitions, serve to harness the talents of its membership.

4. Join online or sign up through a convivia or at a local event. Your membership is not limited to a few pamphlets and the ability to attend tastings. Through Slow Food, your dues offer financial support to the global effort, including sustaining the Foundation for Biodiversity. This is Slow Food's longest arm in the way of defending "our world's heritage of agricultural biodiversity and gastronomic traditions."

Tips & Warnings

• If you advocate Slow Food, but cannot commit to a financial membership, keep tabs by reading any free literature you can get your hands on. With that, you'll at least have the information to live your own, personal Slow Food movement, even if you're not a part of the local convivia. You'll find out about local farmer's markets and efforts that can be made from home to preserve the tradition and quality of food.

[feminineartist]

on 11/5/2009 I'm not a member of the Slow Food movement, but I love the idea behind it. Nothing makes me feel more connected to real life and more detached from mass-produced garbage than, say, making my own tortillas on a rainy day in autumn (with the windows open). Making and enjoying real food is one of the serious, sensuous, and very real pleasures in life, and I think that it's great that people are stepping up to reclaim that.

[feminineartist]

on 11/5/2009 I'm not a member of the Slow Food movement, but I love the idea behind it. Nothing makes me feel more connected to real life and more detached from mass-produced garbage than, say, making my own tortillas on a rainy day in autumn (with the windows open). Making and enjoying real food is one of the serious, sensuous, and very real pleasures in life, and I think that it's great that people are stepping up to reclaim that.