Slow Food USA Receives Historic $1.2 Million Grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation

BROOKLYN, N.Y., June 4, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Slow Food USA, a national non-profit dedicated to creating a world where the food we eat is good for us, good for farmers and workers, and good for the planet, has received a landmark $1.2 million grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation of Battle Creek, Michigan.  The three-year, capacity building grant will help Slow Food work to address inequities in the food system by raising awareness internally and externally, building relationships with diverse communities and establishing partnerships with organizations in this area of work.  The grant will also fund the development of a public initiative that embraces the values of Slow Food and its history through celebrating, reclaiming and creating local food cultures.

This is the single largest grant Slow Food USA has ever received.

"This is a historic moment for Slow Food USA and it could not have come at a better time as we build momentum for the next few years," said Katherine Deumling, Board Chair of Slow Food USA.  "There is great inequity in our food system, and we must all work to make it easier for everyone to access good, healthy food – through preserving our diverse foods and food traditions and through building bridges with communities negatively impacted by the industrial food system.  We're grateful for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation's support and confidence in Slow Food as a key force for change."

"Slow Food USA has a long and successful track record in the good food movement.  This investment will help them to expand their reach so more people across the country benefit," said Linda Jo Doctor, program officer, W.K. Kellogg Foundation. "We're confident that Slow Food's extensive network will help more children and families get the good food they need to thrive."

Slow Food USA is part of a global, grassroots organization with supporters in over 150 countries who believe that food and farming should be sources of health and well-being for everyone.  Through international and national advocacy, local projects and bringing people together through the common language of food, Slow Food members and supporters are making it easier to access real food.  Slow Food was founded in 1989 to counter the rise of fast food, the disappearance of local food traditions and people's dwindling interest in the food they eat, where it comes from, and how our food choices affect the rest of the world.  Slow Food USA's network includes 200,000 supporters and 225 chapters in nearly every state.  For more information, visit www.slowfoodusa.org.

About the W.K. Kellogg Foundation

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF), founded in 1930 as an independent, private foundation by breakfast cereal pioneer, Will Keith Kellogg, is among the largest philanthropic foundations in the United States. Guided by the belief that all children should have an equal opportunity to thrive, WKKF works with communities to create conditions for vulnerable children so they can realize their full potential in school, work and life.

The Kellogg Foundation is based in Battle Creek, Mich., and works throughout the United States and internationally, as well as with sovereign tribes. Special emphasis is paid to priority places where there are high concentrations of poverty and where children face significant barriers to success. WKKF priority places in the U.S. are in Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico and New Orleans; and internationally, are in Mexico and Haiti. For more information, visit www.wkkf.org.

Contact: Emily Walsh / Slow Food USA / 718-260-8000 x154 / [email protected]

SOURCE Slow Food USA