Programs

The Ark of Taste

Saving What's Worth Saving

The Ark of Taste is one of Slow Food's most beloved global programs, a living catalog of foods that are at risk of being lost forever. Not because they aren't delicious or important, but because industrial food systems, shifting markets, and the loss of traditional knowledge threaten to push them out of our fields and off our plates.

Internationally, more than 6,000 foods have been catalogued. In Appalachia, there is no shortage of candidates: heirloom seeds and bean varieties passed down for generations, heritage livestock breeds, wild foods, and traditional preparations that live only in the memories and hands of those who still make them.

Slow Food Tri-Cities is working to identify, document, and advocate for the heritage foods of our region. We'll be partnering with local farmers, foragers, seed keepers, and food historians to build our regional Ark nominations, while connecting community members with the growers and producers who are keeping these foods alive.

This program is currently in development. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to hear about our regional Ark of Taste nominations.

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The Snail of Approval

Honoring the Food Businesses Getting It Right

The Slow Food Snail of Approval is a grassroots recognition program that celebrates food businesses–restaurants, farms, producers, markets, breweries, bakeries–that are putting Slow Food values into practice every day. It's not just about great food (though that matters). It's about how that food is sourced; how workers are treated; how the business connects to its community; and whether it's building a food system that's better for all of us.

Unlike conventional food awards like the Michelin star or the James Beard Award, the Snail of Approval is locally administered. That means we–your neighbors, your fellow foodies–evaluate and recognize the businesses in our own community. Awardees are evaluated across six areas: sourcing, environmental impact, cultural connection, community involvement, staff support, and business values.

We're currently developing the Slow Food Tri-Cities Snail of Approval program and will be opening nominations in the coming year. If you know a local food/artisan craft/farm business that deserves this recognition, we want to hear from you.

This program is currently in development. Want to nominate a local business or get involved in the review process?

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