Slow Food began when journalist Carlo Petrini saw a new branch of McDonalds at the foot of the Spanish Steps in Rome. He feared it signalled the beginning of the end for the rich variety of traditional, regional Italian foods and with it the unhurried lifestyle that begins with taking time to enjoy food at the table.

The movement was founded in his home town of Bra in 1986 and such was the level of support that in 1989 it became an International movement with delegates from 15 countries signing the founding manifesto. That manifesto still expresses beautifully the values of the movement today.  Click here to read

Slow Food works both at a local level through its “Convivia” and at an international level with policymakers such as the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. It stands at the intersection of ethics and pleasure, of ecology and gastronomy. By making a stand against the homogenisation of taste, the unrestrained power of multinationals, industrial agriculture and the folly of fast life, Slow Food returns cultural dignity to food and the slow rhythms of conviviality to the table. The association’s activities seek to defend biodiversity in our food supply, spread the education of taste and support producers of excellent foods.

To find out more about its activities see www.slowfood.com