By Makiah Josephson, Slow Food USA Communications Coordinator

Slow Food USA created the Small Business Supporters program to offer benefits to our business allies that are similar to those of individual Slow Food memberships. Supporters help our organization continue the work that we do to advance food justice, biodiversity and equitable food systems. Two of our Small Business Supporters, Lady and Larder and Fairfield & Greenwich Cheese Company, shared with our team their entrepreneurial journeys and reasons why they support Slow Food USA.  

LADY & LARDER

Location: Santa Monica, CA

Founders: Sarah & Boo Simms

(Interview with Sarah)

1. What food products do you specialize in?

We are a full-service cheese and charcuterie shop with natural wine, flowers, bread, gifts and pantry goods. We are 100% domestic and we source as local and seasonal as possible. We feel like our little shop is a love letter to California.

2. How did your business get started? 

I founded the company in 2016 with my twin sister. I had been working as a private chef for about 10 years, and she had been working as a creative director and designer. We decided we wanted to create something special together.

3. Why do you support Slow Food USA?

We are super passionate about food education and supporting local farmers and makers. So much of the cheese we sell is rooted in deep historical tradition. We want to be a part of the preservation of these traditions.

4. What part of Slow Food’s mission aligns with your business?

Our entire business is centered around supporting a sustainable and local food culture. Our goal each day is to show up and champion these makers by sharing their stories. We always want the educational programs that we offer to really guide people into understanding why it’s important to support small makers and how their purchases and choices affect the overall food and beverage industry.

5. How would you describe the Slow Food Movement?

I would describe it as a global movement with a goal of creating support and interest around traditional food growing and making processes; a celebration of culture, history and food tradition.

Fairfield & Greenwich Cheese Company

Locations: Fairfield & Greenwich Connecticut 

Founders: Laura Downey, ACS CCP & Chris Palumbo, ACS CCP

(Interview with Laura)

1. What food products do you specialize in?

We are a cut-to-order cheese shop specializing in small-batch artisan cheese. Our cheese case is about 50% American artisan cheesemakers and 50% European producers. Since not all European cheese is small-batch, we focus on producers that make the classics in the most traditional ways. Whenever possible, we love to support small, raw-milk cheese makers. Our shelf goods are also products made in small batches by hand.

2. How did your business get started?

My business partner and I saw a need in our community. The only options for cheese were the grocery stores, and most don’t carry or focus on artisan cheeses. We thought it was essential to highlight producers that produce cheese in ways that are kind to animals, people, and the environment. Artisan cheese is a product of farming, and good farming practices ensure great cheese.

3. Why do you support Slow Food USA?

We support Slow Food because the mission is the same as ours. 

4. What part of Slow Food’s mission aligns with your business?

We want people to eat better food, ask questions about how their food was grown or produced, and realize that they will no longer be available if they don’t actively choose these foods. Food being controlled by a few corporations is a scary thing, not to mention we will lose deliciousness!

5. How would you describe the Slow Food Movement?

The Slow Food movement is for anyone who cares about deliciousness, the environment, animal welfare, and workers. If you love good food and want to ensure its existence, you should consider supporting Slow Food.

Interested in joining our Small Business Supporter program? 

Click here for more information.