Slow Food USA $5 Challenge And Slow Food Maui

Slow Food is a grassroots movement with chapters all over the world, that believe there is a link between the pleasure in natural organic food and the commitment to community and environment.  There are Slow Food chapters all over the United States, each with their own mission statement which albeit unique to the region, still rooted in the main drive behind the Slow Food movement which started out in Italy in 1986.  Here in Maui, the Slow Food chapter‘s mission is to promote locally grown foods and culturally diverse culinary practices for health, pleasure and island food security in alignment with the Slow Food movement.

Along those lines, Slow Food USA will run campaigns that are community driven and help educate the masses on making home cooked meals that are locally sourced and organic.  A week ago, there was the $5 challenge.  The premise was:

You’re invited to help take back the ‘value meal‘ by getting together with family, friends and neighbors for a slow food meal that costs no more than $5 per person. Find an event happening near you, host a dinner, or have a potluck.

Why? Because slow food shouldn’t have to cost more than fast food. If you know how to cook, then teach others. If you want to learn, this is your chance. Together, we’re sending a message that too many people live in communities where it’s harder to buy fruit than Froot Loops.

Slow Food Maui hosted this event as a potluck combined with their annual Board meeting.  You need to know that this island is made of some serious foodies, and this was by far the best potluck I have ever attended. The food was colorful, fresh, well made and so so delicious!  It gave me a chance to meet the folks at Slow Food Maui, and definitely motivated me to join.

One of the more important things I took away from this however, was the realization that cooking at $5 per person is actually possible. Yes, it requires some thought, some creativity in the kitchen, and also sourcing from local farmers, and home growers, but its possible.  Sourcing is something I’ll be writing more of in the coming months.

Here are a few other dishes:

September is almost over, but this month is the big membership drive at Slow Food USA.  Check the website, see if you have a Slow Food chapter in your state and check them out.  They are all doing great things towards education and supporting locally sourced food as well as the over all enjoyment of food.  Its something worth looking into… it just makes life better.  Truly.