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How the Slow Food Movement Expanded at UW-Madison

Posted on August 19, 2024   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Natalia Aldana

Natalia Aldana

Hey there, food consumer. Slow down! (Tanja Ivanova / Getty Images)

Hey there, food consumer. Slow down! (Tanja Ivanova / Getty Images)

The Slow Food movement began in Italy in 1986 under the belief that local food and traditional cooking preserves regional cuisines, encourages farming, and promotes sustainability. Promoted as an alternative to fast food, overproduction, and food waste, the movement and its ideas have since spread worldwide.

Slow Food UW began in 2007 through Genya Erling and a small group of students to bring the produce and food from Southern Wisconsin to campus. Slow Food UW has taken the movement’s credo and expanded it to provide meals to the Madison community.

Their Family Dinner Night started as a small group of students cooking together, and grew to a partnership with guest chefs from Madison restaurants. In 2009, Slow Food UW began serving dinner to the community weekly during the school year. In 2011, Slow Food’s café began serving affordable food on campus.

Slow Food UW is always looking for volunteers to work either of their weekly food events.

🍅 Plus, how to become an urban farmer
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