If life is a journey then the food we eat is both sustenance and also life itself.

Slow Food is an association which believes we do not just consume food – we are ourselves co-producers. By being informed about how our food is produced and actively supporting those who produce it, we become part of and a partner in the production process. The Slow Food movement worldwide supports and furthers the work of bringing pleasure back to the table, of educating consumers, of defending agricultural biodiversity and creating a system that makes good, clean, fair food available to everyone.

On joining Slow Food you become a member of a convivium – a local chapter of a worldwide association and community of food producers, food artisans, scholars, researchers, families and friends.

The word 'convivium' comes from the Latin 'con' (with) + 'vivere' (to live or life) and highlits the conviviality that is at the very core of Slow Food's philosophy. Slow Food works to defend agricultural diversity, spread taste education and connects producers of good, clean and fairly traded foods with 'co-producers'(us) through events and projects to shorten the food supply chain.

Our Mission . . . Slow Food believes that everyone has a fundamental right to enjoy good food. We all share the responsibility to protect our food heritage, traditions and cultures that are the basis of good food. Slow Food is based on the concept of eco-gastronomy: the strong link between the plate and the fate of the planet, connecting pleasure with responsibility now and for future generations.

Each convivium is as unique as the region it's in and it's people, culture and food traditions. Slow Food Shoalhaven is working on projects in your own backyard. What all convivia (plural of convivium) have in common is their desire to bring Slow Food to the people in their communities.

Whether you want to seek out local food producers and supporting them bystarting buying their produce or get involved in starting up school gardens or educational programs, help organizing workshops, lectures, classes or conferences, or just bring people together to celebrate the joys and pleasures that food can offer, join us.

Please don't hesitate to contact us for more information or to attend or help out at the next event. Perhaps you would like to instigate and run one! Buon apetito.