Snail of Approval

Snail of Approval Award

GOOD, CLEAN, AND FAIR FOOD IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

The Slow Food Snail of Approval award is a recognition given to food and beverage establishments that are pursuing and practicing Slow Food values in their business. This is more than about making good food — it’s about making commitments to the environment, local communities, employees and purveyors, and our core values of anti-racism and anti-oppression.

The Snail of Approval award is given by local chapters based on evaluations focused on the following six areas:

• Sourcing

• Environmental impact

• Cultural connection

• Community involvement

• Staff support

• Business values

Past Atlanta Winners:

Apply for Snail of Approval

Slow Food’s chapters span many different kinds of communities, all of which have different needs and abilities, so the award requirements vary across the country. Every chapter’s process is thorough but also designed to respect the applicant's busy schedule. Reach out to snailofapprovalatl@googlegroups.com if you have any questions about the award before you get started.

Step 1. Fill out an Eligibility Application online
Though the awards are given out by local chapters and communities, the Eligibility Application is standardized by Slow Food USA. The application takes about 30-45 minutes to complete and is scored using an additive scoring method. All applicants must have been in operation for a minimum of 1 year and score above the national threshold listed in the application instructions to be considered. Though the chapter reviews eligible applicants only once a year, you can apply at any time.

Step 2. Evaluation with Snail of Approval committee
For applicants who pass the Slow Food USA eligibility application, a Snail of Approval committee member of Slow Food Atlanta will reach out to schedule a follow-up interview. Evaluations will be limited to the first 25 applicants who successfully pass the Eligibility Application. The interview will occur at your business and will further explore how your business upholds the good, clean, and fair values. Interviewees are then scored on their demonstration of the values, with each year's top scorers being nominated to receive the award. Based on those committee recommendations, the Slow Food Atlanta board will vote on awardees.

Step 3. Notification of Snail of Approval outcome
Slow Food Atlanta will communicate with all applicants on their application, regardless of score. All applicants will be notified within 60 days of the closing of the most recent eligibility deadline. If you are awarded the Snail of Approval, you will be included on the national map of awardees and take part in national marketing campaigns. Additionally, the Atlanta chapter will spotlight you in our events and communications.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Any food business or organization that has been in operation at its current location for a minimum of 1 year, produces and/or offers food for public consumption, and is pursuing and practicing the Slow Food values of good, clean, and fair food for all. This includes restaurants, farms, ranches, fisheries, cafes, bars, food trucks, breweries, wineries, caterers, markets, and value-added food producers.

HOW ARE APPLICANTS REVIEWED?

The Snail of Approval is awarded locally by a Slow Food chapter, community or working group. Slow Food Atlanta’s process includes first passing the Snail of Approval USA Eligibility Application, which uses an additive scoring method. The first 25 applicants who achieve a passing score will receive an in-person interview from the Atlanta Snail of Approval committee. Afterward, the committee will make recommendations to the Slow Food Atlanta board, and the board will vote on awardees.

WHY SHOULD I APPLY?

To support good, clean and fair food in Atlanta! All awardees will be recognized locally at Slow Food Atlanta’s annual meeting, be listed on the chapter’s website, be given a window cling to display at your business, and receive promotion/marketing on Slow Food Atlanta’s communications channels. On the national level, your business will receive use of the official Slow Food Snail of Approval award mark, listing on the national awardee map and directory, and a chance to be included in national and local marketing campaigns. Apply now!

CAN I NOMINATE AN ORGANIZATION?

Yes! You can nominate restaurants, farms, ranches, fisheries, cafes, bars, food trucks, breweries, wineries, caterers and value-added food producers to be considered for a Snail of Approval award. We’ll reach out to the organization directly and ask them to fill out an eligibility application. Nominate them below.

WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?

See Slow Food Atlanta’s Snail of Approval guidelines.

Check out more FAQs on the Slow Food USA website.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ATLANTA’S SNAIL OF APPROVAL WINNERS: