By Makiah Josephson, Slow Food USA Communications Coordinator
Last month, Slow Food Atlanta became the newest member of Slow Food USA’s Snail of Approval program, which recognizes outstanding food businesses in seventeen cities. The Snail of Approval is an influential award that brings attention to wonderful food businesses that are excelling in connection, community ties, sourcing and environmental impact. Slow Food Atlanta celebrated their joining of the program by hosting 70 guests at their annual meeting and potluck at Tio Lucho’s, a Peruvian restaurant. The first round of local Atlanta Snail of Approval awards was announced during the celebratory potluck and included the following recipients:
Slow Food Atlanta’s potluck brought together their community to talk about the importance of the mission of Slow Food in Atlanta and around the globe, as well as to celebrate their members and volunteers. The 2023 potluck was the perfect setting to announce and congratulate their Snail of Approval awardees, accept new board members and allow their community to weigh in on 2023 programming. “It was the first in-person annual meeting since before the pandemic, and it kicked off a resurgence of sorts after a slow ramp up of in-person events. We were also highlighting lots of newness happening with the chapter,” stated Communications Co-Chair Lisa Nguyen. Potluck attendees enjoyed thoughtful and diverse food while learning about ways to support the chapter through membership and beyond.
The Atlanta chapter also hosts monthly events that include Slow Food for Thought with food and beverage artisans, a book club, Slow Food 101 trainings and an ice cream social. These programs are made possible through memberships, fundraising and small grants. Slow Food Atlanta hopes to continue growing through connection, education and advocacy in order to serve Atalanta growers, producers and eaters. The chapter hopes to partner with more restaurants, farms and like-minded nonprofits to increase knowledge and access to food that’s good, clean and fair for all.
