Frequently Asked Questions
Can you change the mailing address associated with my membership?
Sorry, No. Your membership with Slow Food is managed by the staff of Slow Food USA. If you need to change your mailing address or email, please contact them.
If you need to get in touch with SFUSA, you can email them at membership@slowfoodusa.org or call them at (718) 260 – 8000. Their website is here.
I'd like to join (or renew)... how can I do that?
The staff of the national office can help you to become a member, or you can do that online.
Do I have to be a member to attend your events?
Typically, no. Usually our events are open to the general public, but from time to time, we may reserve spots for members only, especially for popular events where space is limited.
What do your events cost?
Most of our events are between $20 and $40 per person, which covers the cost of food, beverages, and space (SFNYC has no brick-and-mortar facility.) Occasionally, fundraisers will cost significantly more, but those events will always be declared as fundraisers.
We are often asked why our events are expensive, and we think that's because many people confuse SFNYC events, which are primarily educational, with events produced by SFUSA (the national office) which have often been fundraisers.
Why do you charge for events when so many other tastings are free?
It's true that lots of food-related events are available around the city for free. By all means, take advantage of these good opportunities, but don't forget to ask who's paying the tab, and why — often, it's a company that is trying to promote their own product or service, and they might have deep enough pockets to cover your dinner.
At Slow Food, we tend to work with small producers, vendors, restaurateurs and chefs, and part of our purpose is to support them. It's hard to do that if we ask them to donate the food.
Where do you get your funding?
Local chapters receive 3% of Slow Food membership dues ($1.80 to $2.25 per membership). The bulk of monies spent in the service of our mission are gradually raised through local events and occasional special fundraisers.
How can I get more involved?
That's the question we were hoping for! SFNYC is completely member-driven, so we need all the help we can get.
- Volunteer: From time to time we need volunteers to staff our events or to help with outreach programs. Write us at volunteering@slowfoodnyc.org.
- Plan an event: Contact us about holding an educational tasting at your favorite ethnic restaurant, or take us on a walking-tour of a culinarily-rich neighborhood, or help us to organize a volunteer-day at one of the city's farms.
- Come chat with us: Come to one of our events or happy-hours, and meet your fellow members (you have joined, right?) and brainstorm about how to bring your knowledge and passion to the cause.
- Come to a planning meeting: The steering committee meets roughly once a month. Email us if you'd like to come to one.
- Join the steering committee: Every year, three of the nine committee members are designated, and from time to time we have alternates who fill in when someone moves away or otherwise steps down. Come join us for a meeting, and see what you think.
I'm coming to visit NYC -- where should I eat/drink?
We all have our favorites, but an excellent place to start is by looking over the awardees of our "Snail of Approval". If you have a more specific question, contact us.
Where should I shop for good food?
Again, the best place to start is with our "Snail of Approval" program. If you have a more specific question, contact us.
I have something that I'd like Slow Food to promote
Contact us and let's talk. We are always interested in learning about opportunities to support good, clean, and fair food.