Spring 2020 Newsletter: Stay Home, Stay Slow

The news, government mandates, and personal sacrifices we've experienced over the past few weeks have been unprecedented. As you might expect, the COVID-19 crisis has had quite the impact on many of our upcoming Slow Food events, not to mention how it may be impacting you and your loved ones.

But as you might know, the purpose of Slow Food is to tackle the challenges and threats facing our global food system through a lens of joy. In the midst of this devastation, the one thing we truly need is just that: joy. We need Slow Food. 

As Slow Food Vermont, we are adapting much of our upcoming programming to be virtual. Additionally, there are global initiatives underfoot to continue to foster connection and cultivate inspiration during these uncertain times.

From the Slow Food Live series, to the #stayhomestayslow movement, to the Plant a Seed Campaign, we are in this together, finding new ideas and opportunities within physical boundaries. 

In such a short period of time, the global economy and perspective have massively shifted due to this pandemic. Imagine what the world would look like if we disrupted it with the simple, pure -- yet still rare -- concept of good, clean, and fair food for all. It is our hope as Slow Food Vermont to help our vibrant and resilient state come together in solidarity at this time.

Our farmers need you, our chefs need you, our neighbors need you, and we need each other. Please #stayhomestayslow and join us in this movement of joy, food, and love.

Slowly,

Sara Jean & Becca
Slow Food Vermont Co-Chairs

Ways to Help!
The COVID-19 crisis is hitting us hard, but the rainbow after the storm has got to be coming soon. We’ve compiled a list of ways you can help out during these challenging times. Send other tips to slowfoodvt@gmail.com.

  • GIFT CARDS, GIFT CARDS, GIFT CARDS! Are your favorite local restaurants and coffee shops offering gift cards? If so, consider buying some to support these businesses while you can't dine in.

  • NOFA-VT runs a FARMER EMERGENCY FUND that is gearing up to pay for relief workers to milk cows if dairy farmers get sick with COVID-19. Click here to contribute. 

  • The MONTPELIER FOOD PANTRY seeks donations of food, money, and personal care items. Click here to give.

  • Support vulnerable populations while giving a local food biz a boost. Through BARRIO BAKERY, buy baked goods online that Barrio will then donate to seniors at the Heineberg Senior Center. This is the final week!

  • The VERMONT FOODBANK is working overtime, urgently seeking cash donations and healthy volunteers to hand out food. Here's where to give help. And here's how to get help.

  • Is your favorite restaurant offering takeout or curbside delivery? Find out in Seven Days' GOOD TO GO VERMONT directory!

  • SCHOOL MEALS are being delivered along usual bus routes to ensure that kids who rely on breakfast and lunch at school are being taken care of. Familiarize yourself with drop-off points so you can be a resource to people who might be in need.

If you have additional suggestions for ways to help in your community, please email us at slowfoodvt@gmail.com.

Repeat After Us: Stay Home, Stay Slow
We couldn't have said it better ourselves. Slow Food Youth Network (SFYN) coined the phrase (and hashtag #stayhomestayslow) to encourage folks to shelter in place and embrace a slower pace of life during this time of collective hardship. While you're hunkering down, we hope you're finding time to take solace in cooking and enjoying food. Do you find yourself craving comfort dishes from your childhood? In times of crisis, it can feel good to go back to our roots. With that in mind, SFYN is gathering recipes from elders and will compile them into a resource for all. Submit a recipe here! We hope you're also taking this time to discover new recipes. Look out for a newsletter next week all about what the Slow Food Board has been cooking. Maybe it'll inspire you, too!

Upcoming (Virtual!) Events: Learn at Home with Slow Food Live
Sourdough, beekeeping, seed starting, soup -- and so much more! Learn it live with Slow Food USA. Slow Food Live is a series of (free) sessions led by experts in a skill or topic, that you can join from anywhere on your laptop or phone. Participation will be free for anyone and sessions will be hosted on Zoom at 2pm EST; 30-45 minutes of learning and 15 minutes for questions from you. Check out the full "curriculum" and get ready to learn something new at https://slowfoodusa.org/slow-food-live/.

World Disco Soup Day
Year after year, Slow Food Vermont leads the country -- and the world! -- when it comes to holding an awesome World Disco Soup Day. Disco Soup is a party where we chop thousands of pounds of veggies and get them ready for the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf to make meals for Vermonters. This year things will be different, but we're excited to make it work. World Disco Soup Day on Saturday, April 25 is going digital. From one kitchen to another, this will be the first Disco Soup where you can truly collaborate with activists from around the globe. Interested in organizing your own online community into a #zerowaste cookoff? Email us at slowfoodvt@gmail.com and let us know.

PRO TIP: To gear up for Disco Soup, check out the Slow Food Youth Network's totally groovy (and cheesy!) food-themed World Disco Soup Day playlist on Spotify, and you'll be dancing in the kitchen in no time. 

Support our Snails! SOA restaurants offering takeout and online shopping
The Snail of Approval is awarded to restaurants, bars, food and beverage artisans, stores, and markets that contribute to the quality, authenticity, and sustainability of Vermont’s food supply and have been deemed outstanding among peers. We are so grateful for our SOA partners and we recognize this time of intense stress on their businesses. Many are pivoting to create new online ordering platforms and provide delivery and takeout options. Here are a few ways you can support SOA folks in the coming weeks:

Thank you to our marvelous snails & friends of snails for their incredible work feeding and nourishing Vermont!

Spring is coming: Plant a Seed
Vermont might have gotten some fresh snow this week, but Slow Food USA's annual Plant a Seed Kit is officially here, so spring must be around the corner!Click here to view and order your seeds today. Every kit includes a seed from each of six regions in the United States with a unique relationship to the land and people there. 
For every kit purchased, Slow Food USA sends one to a school garden. Help us teach kids about delicious biodiversity and how to write your own story with seeds!

We will get through this. <3

  

Slow Food VermontComment