What is the Slow Food Movement and How Can You Get Involved in Beijing?

Founded in 1986 by Carlo Petrini, the Slow Food Movement is a global, grassroots organization that promotes alternatives to fast food culture and helps counter the disappearance of regional cuisine and traditional food production methods. Today, it has over 100,000 members across branches in 150 countries, including China. Notable members include restaurateur Alice Waters, journalist Eric Schlosser and journalist Michael Pollan.

At the local level, the Slow Food Movement's activities and events are coordinated by convivia, small groups of passionate Slow Fooders. At present there are four convivia in Beijing, including a very active one based out of the Schoolhouse in Mutianyu. 

[Editor's note: We have just been informed that Slow Food Saturday has been cancelled due to lack of registrations. The next event will be in fall 2015]

If this sounds like something you'd like to get involved with, you'll be happy to know that the Slow Food Great Wall Convivium is holding their fifth Slow Food Saturday charity event on Saturday September 13. With the help of local producers from the area surrounding The Schoolhouse, the event is designed to show participants how food gets to their table. There will also be a lunch provided by the same local producers. For a full rundown of the day's proceedings (including a chestnut harvesting class, a visit to a honey producer, and a bike ride to a trout farm) and information about pricing and transportation visit the Slow Food Saturday website. 

More stories by this author here.

Email: robynnetindall@thebeijinger.com
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Photo: The Schoolhouse at Mutianyu