East End Convivium of Slow Food – Slow Food in Schools Programs

Since its inception the East End chapter has been dedicated to initiating and funding local “Jr. Slow Food” projects. We are inspired by chef, author and edible school-yard visionary Alice Waters, who thinks “If Americans would choose seasonal food grown through sustainable techniques by local farmers, if we would serve caring meals at the family table rather than scarfing Happy Meals in the minivan, we would restore family values, transform our communities and stabilize the environment. We would also enjoy ourselves more.”

2007-08
Slow Food Greenhouse at Hayground School

The first “Slow Food Greenhouse” in the region is constructed at the Hayground School and Summer Camp in Bridgehampton, from a grant awarded by the East End chapter. John Snow, a teacher at Hayground, believes that there is “no better way to teach cause and effect than with a garden.” At Hayground School, currently 65 students utilize the educational philosophy of John Dewey, learning by doing meaningful tasks.

2005-06
Healthy Bodies Healthy Bays
After a few sporadic “Jr. Slow Food” programs for kids, but with a dedication to focus more on a youth audience, the East End Convivium of Slow Food raised start-up funds to launch an after school program in the fall of 2005. Eighteen 5th and 6th graders from the East Hampton Public School piloted a new 10 week after school “slow food ecology” club.  Fall activities followed the theme of harvesting produce and preparing for winter.  After school, students visited farms, hiked groundwater recharge areas, kayaked bays, raked clams, picked apples and got a chance to cook, taste and nibble, courtesy of the wonderful people at Nick & Toni’s.  Slow Food leaders Kate Plumb and Mary Morgan are spearheaded the program, along with Stacy Myers, Director of Marine Youth Education at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County.

For more information contact:
Mary Morgan
mcmorgan@optonline.net