The slow food movement may have begun in Italy, but it continues taking hold in the United States. Slow food advocates believe that meals should be about celebrating the cultural heritage of food and enjoying life with family and friends rather than the speed with which they can be served. Amen.

People who love slow food like to know where their food comes from and how it was produced. Preserving and appreciating local food heritage is paramount. Support for family farmers and makers of artisanal fares is of special importance. Folks are encouraged to buy locally produced food whenever possible. Sustainably produced food is good for your family's health and the health of our planet. The richness and variety of meals that can be prepared under the slow food banner is seemingly endless.

An article form KVOA News 4, Tuscon reports that about 12,000 people are in the 150-plus local chapters in the United States. Worldwide there are about 80,000 members. The KVOA article explains,

An Italian named Carlo Petrini started the slow food revolution in 1986 as a way of protesting the opening of a McDonald's restaurant in Rome. He founded an international organization, called Slow Food, dedicated to reviving the pleasures of dining and promoting the connection between plate and planet.

Petrini has written a book, "Slow Food Nation: Why Our Food Should Be Good, Clean, and Fair," that is to be released next month.

If you'd like to read the full article from KVOA go to:'Slow food' groups support local farmers, culinary heritage

To learn more about the slow food movement in the U.S. go to: Slow Food USA