All small scale food producers and growers, from fishermen to gardeners, can apply for the first grant to help them reach their Slow Food goals.

The Slow Food group has a focus on improving the food system in local communities and across Australia and promotes good, clean and fair food for everyone.

Slow Food Shoalhaven leader Rosie Cupitt said the introduction of this grant was one of many activities aimed at supporting responsible local food supply and production, and the protection of biodiversity. 

“After hosting a successful National Slow Food Conference in Ulladulla in August of this year, many more people have joined Slow Food Shoalhaven,” she said.

“With these additional membership contributions and other fundraising activities, including the Gaia Farmer’s Market in Ulladulla, we are now able to give a substantial part of that money back to our community.

“What better way to do that than to help some of our small scale growers, fishermen or producers in the region that are working so hard to contribute to the creation of a better Food System for all of us.”

The grant pool is $5000 with applicants asked to apply for funds to be used any way they feels is most beneficial to achieve their goals as long as their efforts are in line with the Slow Food philosophy of good, clean and fair, and beneficial to creating a better food system in our region.

“For example the purchase of machinery or materials, or attending a training to improve their skills,” Rosie added. 

There is no age limit, and the application is open to all small-scale producers in the Shoalhaven.

Rosie said the committee was “very excited about this new initiative” and can’t wait to receive the first application forms.

Application forms are on the Slow Food Shoalhaven website: www.slowfoodshoalhaven.com.au and the closing date is November 30.

The successful applicants will be announced at the Slow Food Shoalhaven Terra Madre dinner on December 10.

Slow Food began as a counter movement against Fast Food in Italy in 1989.