“To change the world, you have to change the menu first”
In 2017, Slow Food Noosa launched Australia’s FIRST Snail of Approval Program.
This recognition program aims to inspire producers, chefs, restaurant owners and food outlets to use and promote Good, Clean and Fair ingredients from our local area.
Businesses can be recognised if they are making efforts to produce food which is good, clean and fair.
- GOOD: seasonal, local, quality, flavoursome and healthy food
- CLEAN: sustainable production with low impact on the environment
- FAIR: accessible prices for consumers and fair conditions and pay for producers and staff/workers
Benefits to your business
This recognition scheme includes the following benefits:
- Snail of Approval decal to be displayed at your place of business
- Use of the Slow Food Noosa Snail of Approval logo on your menus and/or publicity materials in accordance with our guidelines
- Listing on the Slow Food Noosa website directory of recognised businesses
- Your business displayed as a recognised Snail of Approval recipient on a number of Food Trails featured in the region (to be confirmed and subject to print runs)
- Slow Food operates in over 160 different countries, so tourists, especially those from Europe, other parts of Australia, Asia and North America, realize the significance of the snail and often choose to patronize establishments that comply with Slow Food principles.
Who can apply?
Businesses that support the philosophy of Good, Clean and Fair food that are based in the area between Caloundra and Tin Can Bay and out to the Mary Valley (loosely). Nominations can come from farmers, growers, restaurants, cafes, chefs/cooks, food artisans, and retail outlets.
An application form must be completed and submitted.
What does it cost?
For 2023 there are two tiers for our Snail of Approval (SOA) Program. Member and Non-Member Snail of Approval Recipients.
Both Member and Non-Members SOA are encouraged to:
- Hold an event at your location, or
- Supply/produce for raffles/events throughout the year, or
- Hold a stall at local field days.
Program Benefits
- Slow Food Noosa will promote your business on our website, in our monthly newsletter and across our social media channels.
- Act as a conduit throughout the Noosa food community to help grow your business.
The above SOA benefits are available with or without Slow Food Membership. Below are some additional benefits for those who wish to become a member of Slow Food.
Additional ‘Slow Food Member’ Benefits
- Every 2 years, recipients are eligible to apply for Terra Madre delegation to visit Italy and represent Slow Food Noosa
- If recipients have land set aside for food production, they are eligible to apply for the Regenerative Farming/Rewilding Grant
- Membership discount to all Slow Food Noosa events
Visit our Shop for pricing. Join Slow Food Noosa
Important Clarification
The Snail of Approval is a recognition program for farmers, food producers, artisans, retail outlets, restaurants and cafes, chefs and cooks that demonstrate a philosophy of adopting earth friendly practices. These might include reduction in the use of chemicals, use of local and low food mile ingredients, preserving vanishing animal breeds and plant varieties, animal friendly practices, support of small producers, striving to create food that is Good, Clean and Fair.
Importantly the Snail of Approval award recognises effort and intent, and should not be seen as an accreditation for any of these areas.
The Snail of Approval program recognises that adoption of these practices fall on a continuum and is not a recognition of perfection. It is envisaged that once in the Snail of Approval program, businesses will find opportunities for improvement towards Good, Clean and Fair food for all.
Slow Food Noosa wish to acknowledge Noosa Council’s support and funding for this Program for 2020.
Noosa Snail Trail Setting the Pace 2019 Awards
28 March 2019
An Australian-first, local food program that highlights good, clean and fair food is entering its third successful year with more than 60 local farmers, food artisans, chefs, restaurants, and schoolchildren from across the region.
The ‘Snail of Approval’ is a recognition program for food producers, artisans, retail outlets, restaurants and cafes who demonstrate a philosophy of adopting earth friendly practices.
These might include reduction in the use of chemicals, use of local and low food mile ingredients, preserving vanishing animal breeds and plant varieties, animal friendly practices, support of small producers, striving to create food that is Good, Clean and Fair.
Locally run by volunteers, participants of the ‘Snail of Approval’ program are hand-selected by Slow Food Noosa to recognise those most passionate about growing, producing and supporting local in line with the global Slow Food philosophy.
Slow Food Noosa President, Carolyn Winkler said the program gave participants the ability to think globally but act locally and continued to attract dedicated participants from the Noosa region and surrounds.
“The program is truly about living and eating as locally and seasonally as you can and we are extremely proud of our 60-plus program participants for ensuring our philosophy is firmly embedded in their businesses,” she said.
“It’s great to recognise the people who are taking the time and effort to create or grow good, clean and fair food – and the chefs, restaurants, cafes and food producers who support local, seasonal and ethical food,” she said.
Ms Winkler said the accredited program puts the local region on the global map with the Slow Food network reaching more than one million supporters in 160 countries.
Local chef and Slow Food Veteran, Matt Golinski has found the program particularly useful when sourcing local produce for his restaurant The View at Peppers Resort Noosa.
“It’s really important for us to support our local farmers and producers because not only do we get to know these true champions of local food but it’s our support that puts food on the very tables of these hard-working farmers who grow it,” he said.
“Slow Food is a way of life and a very big part of my personal and professional life so I believe in educating the community and young children in our region about the origins of their food to ensure a life of positive and healthy food choices.
“We hope to share our knowledge and food traditions with these future generations and in particular, the ethical morals that supporting farmers and producers who nurture, grow and maintain our local food supply is the best way that they can give back to their community.”
The ‘Snail of Approval’ program was first launched by Slow Food Noosa in 2017, which is part of an international network of more than one million supporters from more than 160 countries that seek to acknowledge and encourage good, clean and fair food.
The Australian-first program, now in its third year is a globally recognised program that has not only put place Noosa businesses on the Slow Food map, but locally it provides a quality assurance guide for residents and visitors on the producers, chefs, restaurants and food outlets who are the local leaders in following the Slow Food philosophy.
Slow Food Noosa is the largest Slow Food convivium in Australia.