Vermont Snail Of Approval Logo

Slow Food Vermont's Snail of Approval is awarded to those 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.

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Snail of Approval Process

The Snail of Approval is a national program of Slow Food USA and is an award of excellence given by local chapters based on evaluations focused on the following six areas: sourcing, environmental impact, cultural connection, community involvement, staff support, and business values.

Businesses that are awarded a Snail of Approval are recognized on the Slow Food Vermont and Slow Food USA websites, receive a Snail of Approval window sticker to display, shout-outs on Slow Food Vermont’s social media channels, the opportunity to partner with Slow Food Vermont and exposure to Vermont residents who care about good, clean and fair food.

Slow Food Vermont encourages any Vermont food business or organization that produces and/or offers food for public consumption, is pursuing and practicing Slow Food values of good, clean, fair food for all, and has been open for at least one year to apply. Awards will be given on a rolling basis.

  1. Applicants submit their application online, and $50 fee to Slow Food Vermont (find current mailing address at this link)

  2. A three-person Snail of Approval Committee evaluates applications and performs a site visit and evaluation of the restaurant or business.

    1. All Snail of Approval Committee members are Slow Food Vermont members and include at least one Board member and one ‘content expert’ for the type of business under evaluation (i.e. chef, baker, sommelier, etc).

    2. The committee makes a recommendation to the Slow Food Vermont Board of Directors to approve or deny the application based on the evaluation.

  3. The Slow Food Vermont Board of Directors vote to approve the Snail of Approval Committee's recommendation.

  4. Applicants are notified along with next steps for receiving the Snail of Approval. Applicants that are not approved are sent a detailed explanation.

  5. Awardees receive the Snail of Approval public relations package. This includes a press release, decals and certificate to display, and access to the Snail of Approval logo for business websites and promotional materials.

  6. Awardees are listed on both the Slow Food USA and Slow Food Vermont Snail of Approval webpage and encouraged to team up with Slow Food Vermont on an annual special event (fundraising dinner, tasting event, etc).

Monitoring and Renewal Process

Slow Food Vermont monitors the integrity of Snail of Approval restaurants and artisans through ongoing feedback from Slow Food Vermont members.

  • Snail of Approval certification is valid for two years; renewal follows the initial process in the form of a renewal questionnaire and follow-up.

  • Applicants re-applying after 2 years do not have to pay the $50 fee.

Apply to the Snail of Approval

We receive applications on a rolling basis. Please send any supporting materials to VermontVT@slowfoodusa.org.

In order to apply for Snail of Approval, the chef/owner/producer must be a current member of Slow Food. Become a member, and indicate Vermont as your chapter.

We look forward to partnering with you on events and encourage you to educate your staff about the award and Slow Food in general. Here's a brief overview that you can share with your team.