While the name suggests it, Slow Food isn’t about waiting hours for your dinner to cook. Instead, it’s a global movement that began in Italy in 1986 with the goal of promoting and preserving locally-grown, sustainable produce. This became known as the Slow Food Movement.
What is Slow Food?
Essentially, Slow Food is about being aware of how food is made and taking a front seat in food preparation. It’s about understanding how your food is produced and the process it goes through before winding up on your plate.
The Slow Food Movement focuses on sustainable farming practises, the ethical treatment of animals and minimising impact on the environment and local resources.
Think of it as the antithesis to fast food and our fast-paced lives.
Slow Food in Australia
Slow Food Australia is an organisation which aims to ‘build networks between grower and eater, agriculture and market, community and world. We champion good, clean, fair and local food in ways that enhance knowledge, respect and passion.’
There are 31 Slow Food chapters (or convivia) in Australia, which form part of a global network of 153 national communities and 100,000 members.
Slow Food Australia helps communities become more aware of the importance of food sustainability. They run workshops, events and use their blog to promote their ongoing campaign.
How to Join the Slow Food Movement
Interested in living according to Slow Food principles? Here are a few ways to get started:
- Visit your local farmers’ market and buy produce fresh from the grower.
- Choose shops and eateries that bake or cook their goods according to Slow Food principles.
- Continue to ask questions about your food and where it comes from
- Join your local convivia to get directly involved in the Slow Food Movement
