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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.

August 4: Summer Soirée at Share the Harvest Farm & Snail of Approval

Jul 28, 2024 | Blog, Events, Snail of Approval

Celebrating Share the Harvest Farm: A Snail of Approval Award

We are delighted to announce that Share the Harvest Farm in East Hampton has been awarded the prestigious Snail of Approval by Slow Food East End. This recognition honors their extraordinary commitment to combating food insecurity and promoting access to fresh, local produce for everyone in our community.

What is a Snail of Approval?

The Snail of Approval is a hallmark of excellence bestowed by Slow Food to organizations and businesses that embody our values of sustainability, quality, and community focus. It signifies that the recipient is making a positive impact on the local food system and is dedicated to practices that uphold the Slow Food ethos. Share the Harvest Farm exemplifies these principles in every aspect of their operation, and we are thrilled to celebrate their achievements with this award.

About Share the Harvest

Share the Harvest Farm is a beacon of hope in the fight against food insecurity on the East End of Long Island. Their mission is both simple and profound: to ensure that all individuals, regardless of income or social status, have access to fresh, locally-grown produce. Remarkably, 80% of the food they cultivate is donated to those who might otherwise go without.

The farm operates a thriving food stand from May to October, where the community not only benefits from high-quality produce but also frequently contributes additional donations to support this vital initiative. This stand serves as a crucial marketplace for 65 local vendors, showcasing the incredible talent and diversity of East End artisans. The farm is continuously working to expand its reach and support the growing community of local creators.

Share the Harvest Farm is deeply integrated with numerous local nonprofits, including South Fork Pantries, affordable housing complexes, The Retreat women’s shelter, senior centers, Heart of the Hampton, and the Children’s Museum of the East End. Their dedication is reflected in the impressive 24,000 pounds of produce they donated last year alone.

Their approach to giving is refreshingly generous—providing food that they themselves would be proud to eat, rather than leftover or inferior items. This thoughtful commitment has garnered widespread praise and appreciation from across the East End.

Join Us in Celebrating

We invite you to visit Share the Harvest Farm and experience firsthand the impact of their mission. Their work is a shining example of how local initiatives can make a profound difference in the lives of many. 

SFEE will be presenting the award at their upcoming annual benefit on the farm, which promises to be an unforgettable evening filled with music, food, and community spirit. Join us on Sunday, August 4th from 5-8pm for a magical evening on the farm under the setting sun.  Every ticket directly supports the mission of fighting food insecurity on the East End!  

For more information about their programs and get tickets for their annual Summer Soiree please visit their website here.

Thank you for supporting Slow Food East End and our remarkable partners like Share the Harvest Farm. Together, we are making strides towards a more equitable and sustainable food system.

Warm regards,

The Slow Food East End Team

RSVP for the Summer Soirée

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

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

ECI Awarded Snail of Approval

Aug 4, 2023 | Blog, In The News, Snail of Approval

The Ecological Culture Initiative, Hampton Bays was awarded a very well-deserved Snail of Approval award by Slow Food East End. 

The mission of ECI is to advocate and educate the community in sustainable food production, wellness, and environmental stewardship. They do this through numerous programs including a garden, donating proceeds to St. Rosalies, a seed library at the Hampton Bays library, and a zero waste and composting program to name a few.

In recognition of their work and alignment with the Slow Food values of good, clean, and fair food for all, the Ecological Culture Initiative: ECI was presented with a Snail of Approval Award at Earth Day on April 22nd, 2023, an event they hosted and co-sponsored with SFEE. (link earth day blog here )

Accepting the award was Sr. Kerry Handal, a sister of St. Josephs for over 4 decades who advocated for ECI to establish the gardens and beehives there and works to focus attention on LI’s sustainability issues and solutions.  Also accepting was Tony Romano who has led many ECI initiatives such as a successful community composting program which is a model he is hoping can be widely shared and implemented in other Long Island communities.

Snail of Approval Awards has long been a tradition for Slow Food, an international organization in over 160 countries.  Snail Awards have typically been awarded to restaurants but Slow Food East End, the largest USA chapter has also decided to award local farms too.   Our eco and biosystem depends on local farms that tend healthy soils, they are the source of our best foods.  Snail Award winners must be businesses that are structured on principles that Slow Food believes are essential to receive recognition and honor the values of good, clean, and fair food for all.  

To learn more visit them at 5793 Sound Ave, Riverhead, NY, United States, New York

ECI joins Ty Llwyd Farms Riverhead, Sang Lee Farms, Peconic; Green Thumb, Watermill; Deep Roots, Southold; Jamesport Farmstead, Jamesport; Amber waves, Amagansett; 8 hands farm, Cutchogue and Quail Hill Farm, Amagansett, as local East End farms having earned the Snail of Approval.

Visit our Snail of Approval page for more information on local restaurants, farms, and food producers who meet these standards and have previously been awarded our coveted Snail of Approval. 

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