We’re thrilled to announce the launch of Slow Food Nation’s website. Slow Food Nation was founded in 2007 with a mission to organize a national community event that would celebrate the principles of Slow Food. With the unveiling of this site we’re officially entering a new phase of progress, picking up the pace as we fast approach the festivities during our inaugural event on Labor Day weekend.

Slow Food Nation will bridge San Francisco’s uniquely passionate and active food communities—those who live for the taste and beauty of local, seasonal cuisine; and those who advocate for social justice and equal access to healthy, sustainable food.

Slow Food Nation will feature, among other things, a marketplace, abounding with fresh produce, prepared foods and artisanal creations from California producers. In addition to tasting the bounty and buying food to take home, attendees will have the opportunity to meet and speak with farmers and with each other about the growing movement to build a fair and environmentally responsible food system.

Another exciting element of Slow Food Nation is Taste, a grand celebration of good, clean and fair food made by outstanding producers across the nation. Visitors will be able to taste freshly baked bread, hand-crafted cheeses and sustainably produced wines and will learn about the history and bright future of American food. Tickets are on sale now.

The Slow Food Nation office in San Francisco is abuzz with activity as we plan numerous activities, tastings, parties, tours, lectures and workshops. We’ll be hosting a series of exciting programs leading up to Labor Day, including several discussions at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco this summer, and the design and early planting of a huge Victory Garden in Civic Center Plaza, curated by brilliant local artist/activist Amy Franceschini and landscape architect John Bela in collaboration with our partner non-profit Garden for the Environment.

Slow Food Nation is about community, justice, agriculture, health and food systems, while celebrating delicious food and the pleasure of eating. We hope you’ll join us in celebration of the exceptional taste of good, clean and fair food.

We are actively seeking volunteers for all stages of preparation, as well as at the event. If you’d like to volunteer, email us at info@slowfoodnation.org.

Keep an eye on this blog for updates, special features, and interviews with featured farmers and food advocates, and with some of our speakers, including Michael Pollan, Gary Nabhan and Alice Waters. You can read us via RSS. We also have a newsletter if you’d like to get updates and announcements delivered straight to your inbox.

Come to the table!

Architect’s rendering of Slow Food Nation’s Taste at Fort Mason. Image courtesy of Stanley Saitowitz/Natoma Architects Inc.