What is Slow Food?
Slow Food International was founded in 1989 to counter the disappearance of local food traditions and society’s dwindling interest in where food comes from, how it tastes, and how our food choices affect the rest of the world. Slow Food envisions a world in which all people can access and enjoy food that is good for them, good for those who grow and produce it, and good for the planet. Today, Slow Food has over 100,000 members and involves millions of people in 150 countries around the world. Through local community projects, educational events, and campaigns, Slow Food volunteers are promoting local and regional foods, safeguarding biodiversity, engaging in environmentally friendly food production, teaching children how to grow and prepare their food, and working to make real food accessible to all.
Slow Food Bastyr University is a student led chapter on the campus of Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA. We organize campus events that promote the principles of the Slow Food movement. Through collaboration with Slow Food members on the eastside of Lake Washington that are affiliated with the Slow Food Seattle chapter, we offer the Slow Food Sunday program to share, learn about, and celebrate food. Examples of program topics include…
Slow Food Sunday seasonal events events typically occur in Feb, Apr, Aug, and Oct. All events provide an opportunity for attendees to share a Slow Food themed meal with others. Most events feature a home cook or chef; some events involve contributions of dishes by attendees. Openings often are available to assist with preparation on the day of the event (kitchen assistance under the guidance of a lead chef or home cook, set up and clean up, etc.). All events include the presentation of a food literacy topic by members of Slow Food Bastyr University and/or other guest speakers.
Slow Food Bastyr University is a student led chapter on the campus of Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA. We organize campus events that promote the principles of the Slow Food movement. Through collaboration with Slow Food members on the eastside of Lake Washington that are affiliated with the Slow Food Seattle chapter, we offer the Slow Food Sunday program to share, learn about, and celebrate food. Examples of program topics include…
- Cuisines of cultures from around the world prepared by home cooks and chefs that are a native of a particular culture
- Improving food literacy including nutrition guidance, dietary practice suggestions, and the introduction of uncommon food types
- Promotion of organic, seasonal, and local sourcing of food
- Local and regional food production
- Preservation and promotion of heritage foods
Slow Food Sunday seasonal events events typically occur in Feb, Apr, Aug, and Oct. All events provide an opportunity for attendees to share a Slow Food themed meal with others. Most events feature a home cook or chef; some events involve contributions of dishes by attendees. Openings often are available to assist with preparation on the day of the event (kitchen assistance under the guidance of a lead chef or home cook, set up and clean up, etc.). All events include the presentation of a food literacy topic by members of Slow Food Bastyr University and/or other guest speakers.
Slow Food Manifesto
The Slow Food international movement officially began when delegates from 15 countries endorsed this manifesto, written by founding member Folco Portinari, on December 10, 1989.
Our century, which began and has developed under the insignia of industrial civilization, first invented the machine and then took it as its life model. We are enslaved by speed and have all succumbed to the same insidious virus: Fast Life, which disrupts our habits, pervades the privacy of our homes and forces us to eat Fast Foods. To be worthy of the name, Homo Sapiens should rid himself of speed before it reduces him to a species in danger of extinction. A firm defense of quiet material pleasure is the only way to oppose the universal folly of Fast Life. May suitable doses of guaranteed sensual pleasure and slow, long-lasting enjoyment preserve us from the contagion of the multitude who mistake frenzy for efficiency.
Our defense should begin at the table with Slow Food. Let us rediscover the flavors and savors of regional cooking and banish the degrading effects of Fast Food. In the name of productivity, Fast Life has changed our way of being and threatens our environment and our landscapes.
Slow Food guarantees a better future. Slow Food is an idea that needs plenty of qualified supporters who can help turn this (slow) motion into an international movement, with the little snail as its symbol.
Our century, which began and has developed under the insignia of industrial civilization, first invented the machine and then took it as its life model. We are enslaved by speed and have all succumbed to the same insidious virus: Fast Life, which disrupts our habits, pervades the privacy of our homes and forces us to eat Fast Foods. To be worthy of the name, Homo Sapiens should rid himself of speed before it reduces him to a species in danger of extinction. A firm defense of quiet material pleasure is the only way to oppose the universal folly of Fast Life. May suitable doses of guaranteed sensual pleasure and slow, long-lasting enjoyment preserve us from the contagion of the multitude who mistake frenzy for efficiency.
Our defense should begin at the table with Slow Food. Let us rediscover the flavors and savors of regional cooking and banish the degrading effects of Fast Food. In the name of productivity, Fast Life has changed our way of being and threatens our environment and our landscapes.
Slow Food guarantees a better future. Slow Food is an idea that needs plenty of qualified supporters who can help turn this (slow) motion into an international movement, with the little snail as its symbol.
Regional & National Efforts
Slow Food USA is the overarching organization for all Slow Food chapter within the US. In Washington state, Slow Food chapters exist on Whidbey Island and in Seattle, Olympia, and southwest WA. There is also a student chapter at Bastyr University. See our contact page for chapter links.
