FAQ

What is Slow Food?

Slow Food is an international movement that first began in Italy in 1986. When founder Carlo Petrini came to realize the many losses that were resulting from the industrialization of food systems, he began Slow Food as a way to preserve what was left. Quite simply put, Slow Food is the opposite of all of the things we think of when we hear the term ‘fast food’. The movement embodies the concepts of good, clean and fair food as outlined by the Slow Food organization. Slow Food is currently active all over the world.

How did Slow Food come to Buffalo?

In 2002, ten Buffalonians committed to preserving WNY’s food heritage, supporting its family farms and educating people about the Slow movement came together to form Slow Food’s Buffalo convivium. Since then they have spent most of their energies working behind the scenes, extolling the virtues of heritage breed animals to local farmers, supporting area producers and occasionally throwing a shindig or two.

What is Slow Food Buffalo doing now?

In light of the recent fervor regarding sustainable agriculture and local foods criss-crossing our nation, Slow Food Buffalo has decided to step forward into the public light to further educate consumers about the benefits associated with living a Slow life. Organizing professional cooking demonstrations at local farmers markets, providing educational programming for various conventions and meetings, assisting WNY school systems to integrate farm-to-school practices, and working to improve the connection between farmers and consumers through a variety of avenues are just a few of the ways that Slow Food Buffalo is making a difference in WNY.

Why should I join Slow Food Buffalo?

When you join Slow Food Buffalo, you’re actually joining Slow Food USA. The bulk of your membership dues go toward supporting the very worthy projects they are working on. If you live in the WNY area, Slow Food Buffalo will become your local convivium. Slow Food Buffalo members are as involved as they want to be. Are you interested in organizing, implementing or coordinating one of Slow Food Buffalo’s WNY projects? Maybe you’d like to sit on a member-committee designed to support farmers, markets or restaurants? Maybe you’d just like to come to our fantastic, fun foodie get-togethers and receive discounts to other such area events? In all of those ways–and many more–Slow Food Buffalo has a place for you. (For a full list of membership benefits, click here).

What kinds of people join Slow Food Buffalo?

All kinds. Slow Food Buffalo is a group made up of farmers, chefs, store-owners, producers and consumers. There’s a place for you here whether you have a Ph.D in Agriculture or simply like to shop at your local farmers market.

How is Slow Food Buffalo structured?

Slow Food Buffalo currently operated with a board making the decisions through the democratic process. In early 2009 an election will be held to elect a new board with further details to be determined in the near future. The board is currently made up of Jo’el Drajem, David Setzer, Sandra Starks andChrista Glennie Seychew.

Slow Food Buffalo’s members participate on whatever level best suits them as individuals.  Some are organized into committees that deal with specific issues while others prefer to participate in a more general manner.