A locally run food program that promotes good, clean and fair food is entering its fifth successful year with more than 40 local farmers, food artisans, chefs, restaurants, and schoolchildren from across the region.
The ‘Snail of Approval’ is a recognition program for food producers, artisans, retail outlets, restaurants and cafes who demonstrate a philosophy of adopting earth friendly practices.
Businesses need to be able to demonstrate a reduction in the use of chemicals, use of local and low food mile ingredients, preserving vanishing animal breeds and plant varieties, animal friendly practices, support of small producers, striving to create food that is Good, Clean and Fair.
Locally run by volunteers, participants of the ‘Snail of Approval’ program are hand-selected by Slow Food Noosa to recognise those most passionate about growing, producing and supporting local in line with the global Slow Food philosophy.
Slow Food Noosa President, Jason Lewis said the program gave participants the ability to think globally but act locally and continues to attract dedicated participants from all over the Noosa region and surrounds.
“In these post-COVID times, now more than ever is the time to be eating as locally and seasonally as we can so we are extremely proud of all our program participants for ensuring our philosophy is firmly embedded in their businesses,” Jason said.
“It’s an honour to recognise those who are taking the time and effort to create and grow good, clean and fair food – and the chefs, restaurants, cafes and food producers who support and showcase our local, seasonal and ethical food,” he said.
Mr Lewis said the accredited program puts the local region on the global map with the Slow Food network reaching more than one million supporters in 160 countries.
Local chef and Slow Food Veteran, Matt Golinski has found the program particularly useful when sourcing local produce for his restaurant The View at Peppers Resort Noosa.
“It’s really important for us to support our local farmers and producers because not only do we get to know these true champions of local food but it’s our support that puts food on the very tables of these hard- working farmers who grow it,” he said.
“Slow Food is a way of life and a very big part of my personal and professional life so I believe in educating the community and young children in our region about the origins of their food to ensure a life of positive and healthy food choices.
“We hope to share our knowledge and food traditions with these future generations and in particular, the ethical morals that supporting farmers and producers who nurture, grow and maintain our local food supply is the best way that they can give back to their community.”
The ‘Snail of Approval’ program was first launched by Slow Food Noosa in 2017, which is part of an international network of more than one million supporters from more than 160 countries that seek to acknowledge and encourage good, clean and fair food.
The Australian-first program, now in its third year is a globally recognised program that has not only put place Noosa businesses on the Slow Food map, but locally it provides a quality assurance guide for residents and visitors on the producers, chefs, restaurants and food outlets who are the local leaders in following the Slow Food philosophy.
