Nomination & Selection

Anyone can nominate any business in the area of East Tennessee that contributes to the quality, authenticity, and/or sustainabilityof our food supply. Establishments can self-nominate. Recipients are not required to be members of Slow Food.

To nominate, submit a nomination form for consideration by the SOA. The Committee will vet the recipients (including an onsite visit if necessary) and evaluate based upon established criteria and forward its recommendations to the Slow Food Tennessee Valley leadership for approval. Please allow a 30 day review period by the SOA committee.

Selected recipients will receive a SOA decal and will be listed on the Slow Food Tennessee Valley website. In addition, selected businesses will receive recognition of the Snail of Approval in the Nourish Knoxville Local Food Guide. A member of the SOA committee will aid in the placement of the decal. If decals are lost or stolen, please notify the SFTV as soon as possible. The SOA designation is indefinite, however participating businesses must adhere to the criteria or the business will be stripped of the award and the decal removed from the business.

Nomination/Application form
Online application

*As we celebrate our local foods and recognize those who grow and/or prepare it, we invite you to get in touch and meet these dedicated individuals. This guide is growing and changing continuously. Every effort has been made to keep this information up to date and accurate but things do change. Please contact us with additions, comments, or questions about our listing.