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Slow Food East End Honors Peconic Bay Medical Center with Snail of Approval for “Farm to Bed” Philosophy

Aug 12, 2024 | Blog, In The News, Snail of Approval

It’s not every day Slow Food East End (SFEE) does something first. Our parent organization has a long history of recognizing food producers, winemakers, farmers, and restaurants around the world who engage in sustainable food practices. Our mission is to highlight and promote businesses who prioritize producing food that is healthy, good for the people who grow it, and good for the planet. When one of our board members, Ralph Reinerstsen, Chair of SFEE Snail of Approval committee, had a couple of surgeries at Peconic Bay Medical Center (PBMC), he learned one of our local hospitals was actually checking all of our Snail evaluation boxes. 

After interviews with the hospital staff, the culinary team, and even some patients, our board unanimously agreed to award a Snail to the PBMC food services team. Led by Executive Chef Christopher Singlemann, their exceptional culinary services and prioritization of sustainable practices – aptly referred to as the “farm-to-bed” initiative – has been a huge success replete with a garden allowing them to harvest and utilize a modest amount of their own produce. They have even begun raising bees for honey. 

Over the last 8 years, PBMC has made significant strides to transform dated hospital food service practices. This award celebrates the medical center’s exceptional efforts to elevate the patient dining experience through high-quality, locally sourced, healthful ingredients. As the East End Beacon noted when reporting on the award, “Go for the Operation, Stay For The Food” PBMC is the first healthcare facility in the nation to receive the coveted Slow Food Snail of Approval award. 

Recognizing the crucial role that nutrition plays in healing and recovery, the hospital has revolutionized its food services to provide patients with nutritious, delicious, and thoughtfully prepared meals. “For too long hospitals were serving processed, frozen, unhealthy foods to patients,” said Sven Gierlinger, senior vice president and chief experience officer at Northwell Health. Traditionally, hospital menus rarely change and are intended to satisfy dietary requirements. PMBC’s culinary services team has broken that cycle by offering a menu that can still satisfy patient needs, but with a four-season menu that tastes more like restaurant food. 

The credentials of the culinary team are impressive and they have brought a fresh vision of food-as-medicine to life. “Good food fuels recovery, boosts morale, and supports overall well-being.” Under the direction of Chef Bruno Tison, one of 3 Michelen-starred chefs now working at Northwell, he describes some of the changes his team has implemented, “The hospital network is making a shift to more plant-based foods, with no frozen food, no fryers and as much locally sourced produce as possible.” Tison was formerly the executive chef at The Plaza Hotel and now serves as the hospital network’s Vice President of Systems Food Services. The addition of hospitality veterans to the hospital services team has clearly made a difference in food philosophy and patient happiness. PBMC has become a model to replicate.

We salute Peconic Bay Medical Center and Northwell Healthcare System for supporting our local farmers, nurturing our community and valuing healthy foods as vital to the healing process.

PRESS

 

River Head Local | Peconic Bay Medical Center earns coveted ‘Snail of Approval’ award from Slow Food East End

East End Beacon | Go For The Operation Stay For The Food

 
 

The Snail of Approval (SOA) award is a recognition of businesses who align with the Slow Food values of good, clean, and fair food for all. SOA has long been a mission for Slow Food. Each year, our international organization with chapters in over 160 countries, highlight and promote businesses around the world who deserve recognition for their exceptional work in these areas.

Congratulations! Channing Daughters Winery is our newest Snail of Approval Award Winner! 🐌

Jul 24, 2024 | Blog, In The News, Snail of Approval

Pictured Left to Right: Ralph Reinertsen SFEE board member, Christopher Tracy – partner and winemaker, Claudine Nayan SFEE board member, Nancy DePas Reinertsen SOA committee member and Anthony Persico tasting room manager at Channing Daughters.

Dear Slow Food East End Community,

We are thrilled to announce that Channing Daughters Winery has been honored with the prestigious Snail of Approval award by Slow Food East End. This recognition celebrates Channing Daughters’ commitment to excellence, sustainability, and its profound contribution to the East End’s culinary and cultural landscape.

Founded by Walter Channing in 1979, Channing Daughters began its journey with the planting of its first vines in 1982. Today, the winery cultivates 27 acres of grapes and sources additional grapes, including from the esteemed Mudd Vineyard. Under the guidance of winemaker Christopher Tracy, Channing Daughters has become renowned for its exceptional quality and diverse range of wines that showcase the unique terroir of Long Island.

Christopher Tracy’s winemaking philosophy blends ancient traditions with modern techniques, emphasizing indigenous yeast fermentations and meticulous blending. Each bottle from Channing Daughters reflects the dedication to craftsmanship and the rich tapestry of the region.

Beyond winemaking, Channing Daughters Winery is dedicated to sustainable practices, led by CEO and partner Larry Perrine, an expert in soil science and a pioneer in the Long Island Sustainable Winegrowing program. The vineyards are treated as part of a holistic ecological system, focusing on healthy soil practices and biodiversity. Channing Daughters is also certified as a sustainable winery, recycling grape pomace to create compost and using no synthetic nitrogen to protect groundwater.

Channing Daughters Winery not only upholds high standards in winemaking but also demonstrates a commitment to community support. Initiatives like the Heart Artists Series and ongoing donations to local nonprofits highlight their dedication to enriching the community.

The Slow Food Team recently visited Channing Daughters Winery to present them with their well-deserved Snail of Approval award. We invite you all to stop into their welcoming tasting room in Bridgehampton to experience their exceptional wines and learn more about their commitment to Slow Food principles.

Cheers to Channing Daughters Winery and their continued success in enhancing the East End’s culinary and cultural heritage.

The Snail of Approval (SOA) award is a recognition of businesses who align with the Slow Food values of good, clean, and fair food for all. SOA has long been a mission for Slow Food. Each year, our international organization with chapters in over 160 countries, highlight and promote businesses around the world who deserve recognition for their exceptional work in these areas.

🌱 Announcement: Golden Acres Farm Receives Slow Food East End’s Snail of Approval Award! 🐌

Jun 11, 2024 | Blog, In The News, Snail of Approval

Slow Food East End is thrilled to announce that Golden Acres Farm, a shining example of organic farming excellence on the East End, has been awarded the prestigious Snail of Approval! This recognition celebrates Golden Acres’ commitment to true regenerative farming practices, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.

Founded by experienced farmers Matt Kursk and Maggie Wood, Golden Acres embodies the ethos of organic agriculture, drawing from their rich experience at Golden Earthworm, a renowned 30-year-old organic farm. Matt and Maggie’s dedication to growing food in harmony with nature, while fostering strong ties to the community, has laid the foundation for Golden Acres’ success.

Under the new stewardship of Kelly and Sean Brennan, veterans of Golden Earthworm, Golden Acres continues to thrive as a beacon of sustainable farming practices. Their mission, simple yet profound, is to nourish the soil for future generations while providing wholesome, organic produce to our community today.

At Golden Acres, every aspect of farming is approached with meticulous care and attention to detail. From stimulating soil biology to innovative pest control methods, they prioritize environmental health and food safety. Their commitment to composting, recycling, and minimal tilling demonstrates their dedication to sustainable agriculture.

Join us at our Summer Solstice Celebration and Strawberry Picking and Tasting on June 20th at the farm where SFEE will present Golden Acres with their Snail of Approval award. 

RSVP HERE

Let’s gather together to celebrate Golden Acres’ achievement and to honor their contribution to our local food system. We hope you can all join us for an evening of community, connection, and celebration of sustainable farming practices.

For more information about Golden Acres and their sustainable farming practices, visit their website at https://goldenacresorganicfarm.com/

Let’s continue to support and celebrate our local farmers who are cultivating a healthier, more sustainable food system for all.

RSVP HERE

Happy International Day for BioDiversity: Here’s how to help our East End farms today!

May 28, 2024 | Blog, In The News

Happy International Day for Biological Diversity! This global awareness day brings people’s focus back to the importance of growing the magical presence of biodiversity in our backyards, local farms, and communities. Just in our local East End “backyard” are approximately 600 farms, spanning 31,000 acres. Today we hope to bring attention to helping to protect that land, the farmers who grow on it, and the good clean, and fair food that is grown there.

Slow Food as an international organization passionately advocates for biodiversity around the world; it’s one of the only paths forward to curb the climate crisis, revive our ailing global foodways, and maintain nutrition and taste in the food we eat every day.

LEARN MORE HERE

Why does Biodiversity Matter?

Life cannot exist without biodiversity, but the dominating industrial food system threatens the careful relationships among plants, animals, soil, water, and air. Around the world, 75% of edible plant species have become extinct while three commodity crops — wheat, rice, and corn —make up 60% of our food production. Our future depends on defending the diversity of plants and animals!

Slow Food’s mission includes considering food products and production techniques as integral aspects of biodiversity in need of protection. Our conservation of food biodiversity by promoting sustainable agroecological practices and consumption choices is our path toward good, clean, and fair food for all.

As an East End community, we have the unique opportunity to be surrounded by so many farms and food producers that are using sustainable practices and we want to help protect them and also use these practices in our own lives.

How can you make a difference?

  1. Tune in to the Slow Food USA’s Live event today at 2pm, to learn more about biodiversity and how you can take action to nurture nature, with experts from all over the world.
  2. Support your local farms and food producers, restaurants and stores that are using sustainable agricultural practices, sourcing, procurement, and food production practices. Check out our Snail of Approval businesses to get started.
  3. Start your own garden! In your backyard, join a community garden, grow in pots on your porch or windowsill. Growing, even on a small scale increases the biodiversity in your local biosphere by adding nutrients to the soil, creating a habitat for organisms, pollinators and other insects to live and fresh food for you! Here are some resources on where to start.
  4. Learn more about the 2024 Farm Bill, and advocate to make some much needed changes.
  5. Call your local legislator and ask for these changes! Look up your local legislators here and Slow Food USA has a script you can follow here.

Any questions please reach out via Slow Food Email

Let’s nourish our connections and connect our food ways together. 

#Slowtheforksdown – #FeedtheForks

Macari Vineyards Awarded Snail of Approval

May 8, 2024 | Blog, In The News, Snail of Approval

Slow Food East End is excited to announce that Macari Vineyards has been awarded our coveted Snail of Approval! 

We invite you to join us at Macari on Thursday, May 23 between 4-7pm for a celebration and the award presentation.

Stop by for live music by the John Ludlow Trio and to taste Macari wines paired with small bites including cheese, charcuterie, and locally made empanadas. 

RSVP HERE

The Snail of Approval (SOA) award is a recognition of businesses that align with the Slow Food values of good, clean, and fair food for all. SOA has long been a mission for Slow Food. Each year, we highlight and promote businesses around the world that deserve recognition for their exceptional work in these areas.

Macari Vineyards is an exceptional example of a business that exemplifies the good, clean, and fair standards of Slow Food. Macari’s mission is to have a boutique winery that produces age-worthy wines in a regenerative, herbicide and pesticide-free agricultural environment.  As such, they have invested in on-property state-of-the-art storage and wine-making facilities. The goal is balanced, characterful, world-class wines.  For three generations, the Macari family has owned their North Fork vineyards, taking decades to nurture the soils with organic compost that has yielded award-winning vintages and international accolades. 

From White House State Dinners to wine club member’s dinner tables, Macari Vineyards is also known for its welcoming familial spirit and long-tenured staff — instrumental in the success of the winery. Together they have made an indelible, impactful mark on the local community by supporting community organizations, promoting healthy, agricultural initiatives, and by setting the standard for a positive work environment. 

We are so proud of our newest Snail Of Approval awardee, Macari Vineyards. Stop by for live music by the John Ludlow Trio and to taste world-class wines paired with small bites including cheese, charcuterie, and locally made empanadas.

Visit our website for more information on all the local restaurants, farms, and food producers who have been awarded our coveted Snail of Approval. 

RSVP HERE

Thanks for Celebrating Earth Day With Us!

Apr 28, 2024 | In The News, Past Events

THANK YOU! 

Over 50 years ago on April 22, 1970, the first Earth Day was a national day of awareness across America that turned out over 20 million Americans – over 10%  of the US population at the time to protest unregulated industrial development.   That day is still one of the largest protests in US history.  This tradition inspired us and for the last three years Earth Day weekend we have welcomed organizations, growers, artists and foodies to join us in solidarity –  we are all invested in doing the work of nourishing our planet.

Earth Day weekend kicked off our 2024 season of events this year with a hearty drum beat, as hundreds of East Enders attended and strolled the lawns at Saint Joseph Villa, a retreat and renewal center managed by The Sisters of Saint Joseph of Brentwood along the shore of the Shinnecock Bay.  The Villa is also home to the Shinnecock Kelp Farmers who farm the shoreline and Ecological Culture Initiative, a community garden and compost program that has been awarded a Snail of Approval award for its work and practices.

The Villa with its mission of  building sustainable engagement and earth friendly good works is nestled between the North and South forks making it the perfect place to bring a diverse, sustainably minded mix of earth-friendly vendors together.  We had beekeepers, a wide mix of growers, food producers, native landscapers,  an independent bookstore, artists, and eco-activists on site and  were serenaded all afternoon with folksy tunes by the fabulous local band Points East.

We began by gathering around the elegant sculpture of the beneficial native dragonfly, an apt symbol for ECI to witness a ceremonial transfer of nutrient-rich sugar kelp to honor the rich agricultural tradition of the Shinnecock Tribal Nation and the new stewards who tend the Villa garden.  Seeded, grown, and harvested by the Shinnecock Kelp Farmers in the waters along the Villa’s shores, nutrient-rich kelp will amend the gardens and compost that the Ecological Culture Initiative maintains. 

 

Kelp farmer Danielle Hopson Begun spoke for a multi-generation collective of Indigenous women who are enrolled members of the Shinnecock Indian Nation.  These women have made great strides since planting their first kelp crop a few years ago.   They are leveraging historic roots and their traditional relationship with the sea and with seaweed to capture carbon and nitrogen that has poisoned Shinnecock Bay and beyond. These farmers are also laying the groundwork for more green jobs on the East End.

All afternoon there were demos with exuberant experts sharing their wisdom and passion for the work they do.   Chris Kelly, Promise Land Apiaries, tends bee hives at the Villa and across the East End. His discussions about bees and honey never cease to thrill especially when it includes a hands-on peak into the hive and taste of honeycombs.

Tony Romano of ECI was joined by ReWild advocates Nancy de Pas and Mary Morgan, a founder of Slow Food East End who is also a passionate composter determined to combat food waste that ends up in landfills.  All discussed how to optimize food scraps to create black gold to amend and heal soils –  the single easiest way for any individual to beneficially impact the environment. 

Many vendors had table-side demos including planting tips by FoodLab and bee projects by Golden Acres Organics, oyster shucking tips by Peconic Gold Oysters, and cooking demos by Cornell Cooperative Local F.I.S.H. program showing easy recipe ideas.   Farmers and growers set up stands offering advice and many goodies for sale from baby blue eggs and shoo-fly pies from 1760 Homestead Farm to incredible tulips grown at North Fork Flower Farm,  Mattituck Mushrooms, and much more.  

There were delicious eats to enjoy from Grace and Grit and we poured wines from Long Island Wine Country vineyards.   We smiled and we laughed. We thanked Mother Earth for everything (even the cool and gray weather)  and the chance to connect with our community.  

The rejuvenation of our fertile waters and lands depends on many stewards.  The original local farmers, The Shinnecock Nation,  have tended the soils of the Good Ground of the East End for ten thousand years. Slow Food East End proudly hosted Earth Day to honor all who have, do, and will continue to act as stewards and nourish our planet.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, donated to us to help support our programs including school and community gardens, Flour Power, and hosting events to help us all learn more about sustainable practices on the East End.  

A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

SFEE is grateful to our generous sponsors – Farm Credit East, Elite/PBS Tents & Events, and Sisters of St. Joseph and the Long Island Wine Country for helping make our event possible.

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