On Friday, June 30th, the Slow Food East End team represented by board members, Maria McBride, Robin Tyson-Stoehr, and guest leader, Nicole Sinning, gathered at Amber Waves in Amagansett, NY to award owners Amanda Merrow and Katie Baldwin the Snail of Approval. The presentation coincided with an Amber Waves CSA potluck dinner where members and their families enjoyed a farm tour, homemade dishes, and wood-fire pizzas prepared by Amanda and the Amber Waves team.
The coveted Snail of Approval (SoA) is granted to businesses internationally that embrace the principles of Slow Food, promoting the ideals of good, clean, and fair food. This esteemed award brings attention to outstanding food establishments that excel in multiple areas, such as sourcing, environmental impact, cultural connection, community involvement, staff support, and business values.
Amber Waves Farm began as a result of an apprenticeship that fostered a deep friendship, igniting a shared dream to nourish the local community. Situated by the ocean, Amber Waves seamlessly integrates food and community, striving to offer enriching agricultural education for aspiring growers, conscientious cooks, and individuals of all ages. As they enter their 15th season, Amber Waves is poised to become one of the foremost educational farm operations in the nation, brimming with boundless potential. What started as a team of two has blossomed into a diverse collective of farmers, educators, culinary experts, and market staff. With a thriving CSA membership comprising over 250 families, they actively organize captivating workshops and programs catering to both children and adults. Moreover, Amber Waves proudly houses a flourishing market and kitchen in a prime location on Main Street, epitomizing their commitment to their vision.
When our Snail of Approval team initially visited Amber Waves in the spring, we were met by team member Claudine Nayan who was to be our tour guide, who gave us an overview of the farm and spoke about her individual path to her current role. We listened quietly as she described her background which included her memories of being a food pantry customer as she grew up and the difference it made in her life. Each team member we met with on our tour aptly described the work of the farm but what was most stirring was the very personal connection they had with the farm’s commitment to the community around them. It is evident in every aspect of the operation.
Each day, they welcome community members to explore the farm, and tours are also provided. Members are free to walk, picnic, and relax in the fields. They offer educational opportunities for children and families through robust programming and educational courses given on the farm. It is a hands-on approach to enable families and children to see how food grows, meet the farmers who grow it, and learn about food and farming through classes. For example, there are toddlers, kids, and teens offerings on farming and cooking. There is an exploration section of the garden where kids can be hands-on with crops and growing practices and return throughout the season to see the progress. Local schools often visit in addition to families. There is a robust
The apprenticeship Program is an example of educating future generations to work in the food and food policy arena. There is also an emphasis on providing connection, development, and education to staff members.
The farm store is stocked with produce they farm so sustainably and thoughtfully, delicious and healthy always changing with the seasons and feedback from their customers.
Amanda, Katie, and the entire Amber Waves team have much to be proud of and we are awarding Amber Waves a Snail of Approval in recognition of their work in not only feeding the community but also nourishing hearts and minds at the same time.
To learn more about Amber Waves, visit www.amberwavesfarm.org and find them at 367 Main Street, Amagansett, NY 11930.
