Slow Food International

In today's fast-paced society, the food we prepare, eat and feed our families is all too often the first thing to fall victim to the demands of having too much to do, and too little time to do it in. But good, quality food isn't a luxury we can afford to do without. It is an essential ingredient to both a healthy, balanced life, and our capacity to enjoy the pleasures of our daily lives.

Slow Food was founded in Italy in 1986 in response to the growing influence of so-called "fast foods" in virtually every element of global culinary culture. The Slow Food international movement, which came into being in Paris in 1989, was based around a single, clear mission: the protection of our right to taste. Today, Slow Food International boasts some 77,000 members in 48 countries, organized into 700 Convivia, or Chapters.

Through a wide variety of initiatives, Slow Food works to counter the degrading effects of industrial and fast food culture that are standardizing taste, and promote instead the beneficial effects of nutritious, locally grown and indigenous foods.
By promoting taste education programs for adults and children, the movement works to safeguard and promote public awareness of culinary traditions and customs. Slow Food convivia support artisan food producers around the world who make quality products, and promote a philosophy of pleasure. In addition, Slow Food encourages tourism that respects and cares for the environment, and promotes charitable initiatives related to food and the environment across the globe.