What’s the rush, you ask?  Well, the next Slow Food CNY Community Potluck will be Sunday, April 18, 2010 (save the date!).  We need plenty of time (we’re slow) to notify the winner, so they can join us at the community potluck to receive the award.   Slow Food CNY has awarded a Snail of Approval to the Syracuse Real Food Coop, Empire Brewing Company, and the Regional Market.  Help us keep up the momentum – send us your nominations before Sunday, March 14!

Paul spoke about all we’ve accomplished this year — the creation of Slow Food CNY, becoming recognized by Slow Food USA, creating the bylaws and organizational structure, hosting events, and outreach.  He also talked about what we hope to accomplish in the upcoming year, including forming a food book club, hosting a cooking class, having a Syracuse restaurant crawl, and getting more member feedback.  We’re always open to your input, so feel free to send a message to slowfoodcny@gmail.com with any ideas or suggestions.

Jonnell gave a great overview of all of Syracuse Grows’ accomplishments.  They partnered with ESF to test soil in new garden sites, set up three new gardens in Syracuse, distributed starter plants to many gardens and helped spruce up some existing sites.  They’re looking for gardening mentors for next year and they’ve got plots available at the Westocott Community Garden, so if you’re interested in volunteering or gardening, visit http://syracusegrows.org.

Lastly, we are proud to announce that we’ve awarded our 2nd Snail of Approval Award to Empire Brewing Company for embracing the values of Slow Food.  At Empire Brewing they grow their own vegetables and herbs at their garden in Cazenovia, are dedicated to using local ingredients in their food and beer, and strive to ensure the people that grow the food are treated fairly. Owners David and Karen Katleski were on hand to accept the award.  Next time your at Empire Brewing, congratulate them on their Snail of Approval and thank them for all the work they do!