Slow Food USA

Slow Food U.S.A. is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to supporting and celebrating the food traditions of North America. From the spice of Cajun cooking to the purity of the organic movement; from animal breeds and heirloom varieties of fruits and vegetables to handcrafted wine and beer, farmhouse cheeses and other artisan products; these foods are a part of our cultural identity. They reflect generations of commitment to the land and devotion to the processes that yield the greatest achievements in taste. These foods, and the communities that produce and depend on them, are constantly at risk of succumbing to the effects of the fast life, which manifests itself through the industrialization and standardization of our food supply and degradation of our farmland. By reviving the pleasures of the table, and using our taste buds as our guides, Slow Food U.S.A. believes that our food heritage can be saved.

Slow Food U.S.A. believes that pleasure and quality in everyday life can be achieved by slowing down, respecting the convivial traditions of the table and celebrating the diversity of the earth's bounty. Our goal is to put the carriers of this heritage on center stage and educate our membership on the importance of these principles. We hope you will join us!

Slow Food U.S.A. oversees Slow Food activities in North America, including the support and promotion of the activities of more than 50 local chapters, each called a "convivium," that carry out the Slow Food mission on a local level. Each convivium advocates sustainability and bio-diversity through educational events and public outreach that promote the consumption of seasonal and local foods and the support of those who produce them.

Inspired by Noah's Ark and its protection of animal species, Slow Food's Ark USA seeks to identify, promote and protect foods in danger of extinction, such as the Delaware Bay Oyster, the Bourbon Red turkey first bred in Tennessee, Aged Dry Jack Cheese, and naturally grown, hand parched wild rice from the lake regions of Minnesota and Wisconsin. Products such as these are economically and ecologically fragile, yet an important part of their local economies and culture. By increasing awareness of and demand for these high quality foods, we can help make them viable products that will bring pleasure for generations to come.

The relationship between ecology and gastronomy, neither of which can exist without the other, is a central theme of all Slow Food publications. Slow, our award-winning quarterly journal devoted to food culture around the world; the Snail, a newsletter for U.S. members; and Slowine, about wine culture around the world, are perhaps the greatest benefit of membership. It is these publications that unite Slow Food's 60,000 members and 500 convivia in over 45 countries.

SLOW FOOD USA MISSION STATEMENT Recognizing that the enjoyment of wholesome food is essential to the pursuit of happiness, Slow Food U.S.A. is an educational organization dedicated to stewardship of the land and ecologically sound food production; to the revival of the kitchen and the table as centers of pleasure, culture, and community; to the invigoration and proliferation of regional, seasonal culinary traditions; and to living a slower and more harmonious rhythm of life.

GUIDING VALUES: Sustainability recognizing the interdependence of people with one another and with our environment caring for the land and protecting biodiversity for today's communities and future generations promoting pure food that is local, seasonal and organically grown

Cultural Diversity recognizing food as a language that expresses cultural diversity preserving the myriad traditions of the table cultivating and reinvigorating a sense of community and place

Pleasure and Quality in Everyday Life celebrating the diverse expressions of our earth's bounty appreciating and encouraging creativity, passion and beauty respecting and supporting artisans who grow, produce, market, prepare and serve wholesome food

Inclusiveness following democratic principles in a spirit of sharing and service educating members and others about Slow Food's mission dedicating ourselves to local cooperation and global collaboration

Authenticity and Integrity insuring our values are embodied by all staff, board members, and convivium leaders manifesting these values in all of our events, projects, and publications committing ourselves to partnerships with like-minded individuals and organizations

Slow Food Kansas City

The Slow Food International Manifesto, 1989

Last updated June 11, 2005

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