Organizations that we recommend and that you might enjoy:

SlowFood International and SlowFood USA

SlowFood is a non-profit, eco-gastronomic member supported organization that educates people about how their food choices affect the rest of the world. Currently, they have over 80,000 members.

The organization states that their mission is “to defend biodiversity in our food supply, spread taste education and connect producers of excellent foods with co-producers through events and initiatives.”

One of the biggest ways in which SlowFood is able to accomplish their mission is by connecting like-minded individuals and asking them to share what they learn from the organization with new people.

Groups of all kinds meet with homemade foods and open schedules, allowing for appreciation of the dishes, lingering conversations, and most importantly, relaxation.

Another way SlowFood works to achieve their goals is by supporting governmental action. Currently, they’re working to enact a balanced Food and Farm Bill, one which would provide not only safe and healthy food to our population, but also would preserve and open up new farmland to provide it.

SlowFood also coordinates Terra Madre, an annual event at which international cooks, food producers and academics come together to discuss sustainable agriculture and consumption.

In addition to the philosophies and goals of SlowFood USA, SlowFood International also supports the University of Gastronomic Science. Their degree programs provide education in history, the humanities, science and technology, economics, management and food communications.

Associated Reading: “Plenty,” by Alisa Smith and J.B. MacKinnon. (Known as “The 100-Mile Diet” in Canada.)

“Plenty” documents the authors’ year of eating only local foods, with local translating to anything produced within a 100-mile radius of their home in British Columbia. It also describes a journey
of personal growth through food and gastronomic exploration, and inspires its readers to find their own path to sustainable diets.

Links to websites with eco-gastronomic resources for education and shopping:

The 100-Mile Diet