Slow Food Maumee Valley: November 2007

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Slow Food International Congress

The food was great, and the setting was spectacular, but the real joy of attending the Slow Food International Congress was getting to know Slow Food leaders from around the world and being part of an amazing network which links producers and eaters of food that is good, clean, and fair. SF Maumee Valley leaders Paula Ross and Lucy Long returned from Puebla inspired, and look forward to sharing the ideas we gained from our trip.

Sandhill Cranes Winery

The Maumee Valley group that visited Sandhill Cranes on the Sunday before Thanksgiving was small, but we all enjoyed the trip and learning how a retired Detroit police officer, with his wife and two daughters, came to create a small commercial winery producing an amazing range of grape wines, fruit wines, and blends. This is one of the joys of Slow Food: getting to know the people who produce our food and wine. The scenery around the Jackson, Michigan winery is spectacular. On a future trip, we'll include visits to other wineries on the Pioneer Wine Trail.

Monday, November 5, 2007

Support Your Local Farmers

Summer fruits are mostly a memory, but local markets are still a great source for winter meals featuring apples, squash, and root vegetables. The Toledo Farmers Market (http://www.toledofarmersmarket.org/) now offers year-round shopping, thanks to new pull-down doors installed in a large section of the market.

All of the above will be available, plus honey, baked goods, and all-season greens and herbs from an area hydroponic greenhouse.

Kids’ Event: Celebrate Heritage Holiday Recipes

On Sunday, December 2, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, children are invited to a special cookie baking party at 2443 Pemberton Drive, Toledo, Ohio. Children should bring cookie dough made from a family recipe that they like the most. We will bake the cookies at the party. Children will also participate in other holiday activities including crafts and games.

Children of all ages, accompanied by their parents, are welcome. Cost: $5.00 per child. RSVP to 419 531-3809.

Who We Are and What We Do

Slow Food Maumee Valley is part of Slow Food USA and the global Slow Food network of over 150,000 members in more than 150 countries. Through our network, we link the pleasures of the table with a commitment to protect the community, culture, knowledge and environment that make this pleasure possible.

Our mission as an international grassroots membership organization is good, clean and fair food for all.
Good
Our food should be tasty, seasonal, local, fresh and wholesome.
Clean
Our food should nourish a healthful lifestyle and be produced in ways that preserve biodiversity, sustain the environment and ensure animal welfare – without harming human health.
Fair
Our food should be affordable by all, while respecting the dignity of labor from field to fork.
For All
Good, clean and fair food should be accessible to all and celebrate the diverse cultures, traditions and nations that reside in the USA.
Working together with members and supporters in our area, across the nation and around the world, we:
Care
We preserve and share local foods and food cultures. We defend and advocate policies that promote holistic alternatives to the industrial system. Through tastings, workshops and social opportunities, we explore and celebrate the Slow life.
Cultivate
We champion local, culturally significant heritage foods, customs and recipes – and bring these experiences into farms, markets, restaurants and homes. We teach the next generation how to grow, prepare and share food responsibly.
Connect
Conviviality is central to our mission. We are part of a global community, connecting people to the land and to each other through local projects, educational events, and shared meals. We become catalysts for change by sharing the joy of Slow Food and prioritizing wholesome living over convenience.
Learn more about Slow Food USA and Slow Food International