Slow Food: What is it and How You Can Get Involved

Slow Food is a grassroots movement that started in Italy as a response to the expanding fast food industry in Europe and the dwindling interest in local food traditions. In 1989, delegates from 15 countries gathered in Paris to create and sign the Slow Food Manifesto that forms the basis of the Slow Food movement today. Presently, there are over 1,300 convivia (local chapters) of Slow Food scattered across 150 countries worldwide, including one in Calgary.

Slow Food believes that food ties in to many different aspects of life, from nutrition and nourishment to ecology, culture, politics and agriculture. It works to bring together policy makers, food producers and consumers (who they call “co-producers”, due to our ability to influence on how food is produced) to work towards a global food supply that is “good, clean and fair”:

“GOOD a fresh and flavorsome seasonal diet that satisfies the senses and is part of our local culture;

CLEAN food production and consumption that does not harm the environment, animal welfare or our health;

FAIR accessible prices for consumers and fair conditions and pay for small-scale producers.”

Is Slow Food a healthier way of eating?

Although nutrition is not a main priority of Slow Food, adopting their philosophy of choosing “good, clean and fair” food can ultimately lead to a healthier diet. Fresh, seasonal foods are undoubtedly healthier than refined and processed products. Opening your palate to different flavours is more satisfying than foods layered with fat, sugar and salt. Getting to know your local food producers allows you to have more of a say in what goes on your plate.

More importantly, Slow Food influences our health in other ways, and allows us to make a positive impact on others as well. Making connections with like-minded farmers, chefs and foodies helps to build our social network and improve our emotional and mental health. Choosing food that is produced in clean, fair and sustainable ways promotes a healthier environment.

Of course, Slow Food is not automatically healthier food - just because a sausage or a triple cream brie is locally, organically and humanely produced still does not make it something you should eat everyday!

How can I get involved?

Slow Food Calgary hosts a variety of events open to members and non-members alike that connect local farmers, producers, processors, chefs and consumers, and celebrate foods produced in Alberta. One of their recent events, Local 101 and 201, featured films about sustainable agriculture and talks from local farmers, beekeepers, chefs and environmental groups. Their next big event is Feast of Fields, an annual gathering at Rouge restaurant's beautiful kitchen garden, where chefs are teamed up with local producers to show off some of Alberta's best food in the form of tasty recipes. Of course, don't forget the wine and mead! One of the most unique offerings last year was an alfalfa wine from en Santé Winery.

A Slow Food Calgary membership ($90/year, or $40/year for people under 30, plus $20 for each additional family member) provides discounts to all Slow Food Calgary events, as well as subscriptions to a variety of Slow Food publications.

For those who are not ready to jump into a Slow Food membership or too busy to attend one of their events, a great place to start is their Slow Food Directory, or email them for a copy of The Alberta Snail Trail: Your Guidebook to Local Products at Farm Gates and Restaurants around the Province. Both feature lists of local producers and how to get their products in and around Calgary, whether it's visiting the farm, shopping at a farmers' market or natural foods store, joining a CSA or even eating at a restaurant!

Wherever you get your Slow Food fix, we hope you savour the experience!