by Brian Solem, Slow Food USA
Every one of our 3,600+ Slow Food USA members joins for a unique reason that’s special to them. But no matter the reason, every Slow Food USA member’s hopes for the future intersect with our global vision for good, clean and fair food for all. Just by reading this, you are a true activist for the Slow Food movement. Thank you for connecting with us! But if you want to deepen your connection and make an impact in our movement, consider becoming a member today.
Still not sure why to invest in our movement? Hear from five brilliant minds about why they are committed members of Slow Food USA.
Mina Park and Kwang Uh
“As restaurant owners, our aim is to reflect Slow Food principles in our cooking and business practices. We joined Slow Food USA so that we can more actively participate in the conversations happening around US-specific food issues as well as stay connected with the global movement.
We see drastic needs to improve the food system at all stages — from production and farming practices to access to healthy food in communities in our very own city. We cannot afford not to make changes to our food system. We cannot afford not to find any way to support improving the way we produce and have access to good food.”
Linwood Watson
“I am an amateur gardener and orchardist, so I “feel the struggle” of raising a quality crop and wanted to help land and aqua farmers, harvesters, chefs, and the consumers. I appreciated and valued the way Slow Food helps all food be less transactional and more interconnected via stories and communities. I support the Slow Food Movement because I know it honors my grandparents and their way of living, and because I have children and want them to live in a world that still offers food that is alive with unique names, lineages, traditions, and stories. Only then can you achieve nourishment, not just sustenance.
I would encourage people to join because unlike one person, who perhaps may raise food, or creatively prepare food, or just simply be a “foodie” and enjoy a variety of foods, Slow Food addresses all these issues and encourages cross pollination of the arenas, joyfully-and often profitably- uniting producers and consumers to support each other in this time of global change and traditions being roadkill on the Internet Algorithm. Your membership is like a stone in the proverbial pond…it will make waves on shores you may never see.”
Connie Castaneda
“I joined Slow Food USA after learning about the Slow Food movement at Seattle Culinary Academy here in Seattle. In September of 2022, I attended a Slow Food culinary workshop at Quillisascut Farm in Rice, WA. The workshop focused on sustainable farming practices, cooking with diverse ingredients from the land, and much more. After a week of being immersed in something so beautiful, it changed my entire view of the food industry and local food systems. The Slow Food movement celebrates diversity and keeps local communities connected and supported through food, culture, and jobs. That’s a really wonderful thing.
If you are curious about what Slow Food means or what the Slow Food Movement means, I’d recommend joining. It’s a great resource if you‘re wanting to learn about local food systems, community, and biodiversity!”
Lora Lea Misterly
“I have been a member of Slow Food USA, along with my husband Rick, since the start of Slow Food Upper Columbia, WA chapter in 2005. At that time, a group of us came together around the values of Slow Food and wanted to share them with our community by hosting regional educational events, farm tours, farmers market information booth, or simple potluck gatherings that feature locally grown, seasonal products and conviviality around the table.
In 2008 I was lucky to be a Terra Madre delegate representing raw milk cheese communities. What an honor! It felt like being an ambassador to the United Nations of Regional and Indigenous farmers! The possibilities of transforming our food and farm system seemed so doable with so many people around the world doing the work of good, clean and fair food for all.”
Sean Timberlake
“I discovered Slow Food USA about 20 years ago, around the time I was having my own epiphanies around food sourcing, diversity, and sovereignty. I later became a food writer, focused on global methods of food preservation, and became involved with the Good Food Awards, which was started by Slow Food member Sarah Weiner. I immediately sensed alignment with the Slow Food community. Slow Food represents so much of my ethos, from their efforts to preserve the integrity and diversity of traditional food around the world to the fight to provide access to it for all.
Becoming a member is an easy way to get involved and effect real change in foodways around the world. Plus, there are occasional fun events!”
