Snail of Approval Criteria

For an establishment to join our Snail of Approval list, it must meet standards set by Slow Food USA, be a leader in the criteria below, and successfully go through an appraisal process with the Slow Food NYC team after submitting an application.

GOOD

• LOCAL - Embodies the food products and traditions of the New York region

• QUALITY - Provides delicious, excellent products

• HERITAGE - Sustains heirloom and historically important products and cuisines

CLEAN

• HEALTHY - Focuses on nutrition and human health

• STEWARD - Environmentally responsible, minimizes impact, focus on sustainability

• HUMANE - Very high standards for animal sourcing

FAIR

• JUST - Great labor standards and practices and/or ownership is notable

• ACCESSIBLE - Enables access to good, clean, and fair food for all

• EDUCATION - Emphasizes teaching about food systems and cultures to the public

• ACTIVIST - Advocates for good, clean, and fair across the community

Are you a food establishment interested to apply?

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join the Snail of approval community?

To join our community, the staff of the establishment being considered are asked to submit an application before going through an appraisal process with our team. We welcome submissions from food or beverage businesses based in New York City including restaurants, bars, retail stores, food producers, wine/beer/spirits producers, and caterers.

What does the application process look like?

There is a three-step application process: 1) Fill out a nomination form, 2) Provide additional details, and if we decide you are a match for Snail of Approval, 3) Meet with members of the Slow Food NYC Snail of Approval committee. 

When completing the application, please expect to spend 15 to 30 minutes entering information, though feel free to be brief in your answers or note if there are areas that you’d like to discuss in more detail at a later time. Please note that we encourage applications from establishments that may not fit a stereotypical “farm-to-table restaurant” model—as there are many ways to be committed to good, clean, and fair values.

What are the benefits of being recognized?

Establishments that are recognized as meeting the Snail of Approval standards will receive a variety of benefits, including promotion across the Slow Food NYC audience, the opportunity to attend (or host) events, and the chance to build stronger business relationships in our community.

how can the public submit a nomination?

Members of the public who want to nominate a restaurant or food producer are encouraged to share this page with the establishment’s team so they can submit an application. Alternatively, feel free to contact the Slow Food NYC Snail of Approval committee to share any establishments you feel should be on our radar so we can get in contact directly by completing our Snail of Approval Nomination form.

What about establishments outside the city?

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, and many Slow Food chapters across the country participate in this program. For information about the national Slow Food USA program and other chapters doing this work, please click here.