This award is awarded by Slow Food Western Slope. In order to create a national standard, Slow Food USA created a standardized national eligibility application. The minimum requirement to win the Snail of Approval award is to have a favorable evaluation of the eligibility application. From this point, Slow Food Western Slope can add its own requirements such as an interview, site visit, a vote by a panel, or additional questions. Or Slow Food Western Slope can decide that the favorable evaluation is enough! Once Slow Food Western Slope decides to give the award, it will submit the awardee information to Slow Food USA to be included in the national directory of award winners.

Slow Food Western Slope will evaluate the application to ensure that the applicant’s responses align with Slow Food principles. We realize that the road to sustainability is a journey, and we want to partner with our awardees on deepening their commitment to Slow Food values every evaluation period.

Slow Food Western Slope is excited that you are interested in joining a network of like-minded food entities leading the fight for a sustainable food system. To apply, please go to https://s.pointerpro.com/soa2026 to complete the Slow Food Snail of Approval Standard Eligibility Application.

Unlike other food awards, Snail of Approval does not have a group of people huddled away in an office adjudicating faraway chefs and restaurants. Snail of Approval is a grassroots award, administered by Slow Food Western Slope. That means awardees can build long-lasting relationships with other like-minded Slow Food activists around good, clean and fair food for all. We also don’t just focus our program on presenting awards for excellent food (although we love delicious food). We care about sustainable practices inside the kitchen, the establishment’s relationship with the community, their worker’s welfare and the cultural and local connections in its sourcing.

By being awarded with the Snail of Approval, you join a national network of like-minded food entities fighting for a sustainable food system. We are excited to welcome awardees who each bring their own story, experience and expertise. Snail of Approval is all about supporting vital businesses and organizations in a local food system. It is how we will continue to be resilient, diverse and strong. Practically speaking, as an awardee you will:

• Receive permission to use the official Slow Food Snail of Approval graphic
• Be listed on national awardee map and directory
• Be included in national marketing campaigns and events
• Be spotlighted on local chapter email blasts, social media, and networking events

All Snail of Approval awardees are re-assessed at regular intervals determined by Slow Food Western Slope after the initial award is given. The review process is at minimum filling out a form to reflect current business practices and based on the answers, it is determined whether or not more follow-up or a site visit is required. The hope is that all awardees continue to improve their practices upon each review; we believe that the journey toward better food and better food systems is a lifelong endeavor.