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SNAIL OF APPROVAL

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WHAT IS THE SNAIL OF APPROVAL?​

The Snail of Approval is a recognition awarded to local food businesses and organizations, including restaurants, farms, cafes, bars, wineries, farmers markets, nonprofits, and social enterprises that actively practice Slow Food values of good, clean, and fair food for all.

 

While awarded locally by Slow Food Denver, the Snail of Approval is an internationally recognized seal of quality. The program aims to bring clarity and transparency to buzzwords like "sustainable" and "farm-to-table" by honoring businesses that actively build a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable food system in the Denver metro area.

 

The Snail of Approval award is given by local chapters based on evaluations focused on the following six areas: sourcing, environmental impact, cultural connection, community involvement, staff support, and business values.​

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WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE SNAIL OF APPROVAL AWARD?

Earning a Snail of Approval connects your business directly to a passionate local and national community dedicated to good, clean, and fair food.

Awarded businesses receive:

  • Public Recognition: Official directory listing on the Slow Food Denver and Slow Food USA websites.

  • Physical Decal: A Snail of Approval window sticker to display proudly at your establishment.

  • Social Media Features: Dedicated spotlights across Slow Food social media channels.

  • Sourcing Support: Hands-on assistance from our team to help you connect with local producers and strengthen your local supply chain.

  • Partnership Opportunities: Exclusive opportunities to collaborate with Slow Food Denver on events, educational programs, Snail Dining Passport, and community initiatives.

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The Snail of Approval is valid for three years, after which awardees undergo a brief recertification process to renew their standing.

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THE SNAIL DINING PASSPORT

Unique to our local chapter, all Snail of Approval awardees are invited to participate in the Snail Dining Passport.

 

Renewed annually, this physical guide encourages Denver metro and Boulder County residents to explore and patronize

Snail of Approval establishments. Participating businesses offer an exclusive special or dining perk inside the passport, giving our community a fun, rewarding way to discover new local favorites while driving direct, loyal traffic to your doors.

WHAT ARE THE 6 PILLARS APPLICANTS ARE EVALUATED ON?​

Applicants are evaluated using a standardized national framework focused on six core areas of sustainable business practice:

  • Sourcing: Prioritizing local, seasonal, organic, and transparent trade ingredients while supporting regional farmers and purveyors.

  • Environmental Impact: Minimizing waste & plastics, conserving energy and water, and reducing the environmental footprint of operations.

  • Cultural Connection: Celebrating regional food traditions, culinary heritage, and diverse food cultures.

  • Community Involvement: Engaging with and supporting the local community through outreach, education, and partnerships.

  • Staff Support: Providing fair wages, safe working conditions, equitable policies, and a supportive work environment.

  • Business Values: Operating with transparency, integrity, and a long-term commitment to advancing a just food system.

WHO CAN APPLY FOR A SNAIL OF APPROVAL AWARD?

We encourage any food business or organization to apply if they:

  • Are located within the Denver metro* area

  • Have been open for at least one year

  • Produce or serve food for public consumption

  • Demonstrate a commitment to pursuing and practicing Slow Food values of good, clean, and fair food for all

 

*The Denver metro area includes Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Elbert, Gilpin, Jefferson, and Park counties.

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HOW DO I APPLY?

Applying for the Snail of Approval involves four clear steps:

  1. Submit the Application: Complete the online application (takes approximately 30–45 minutes). Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

  2. Interview: Once your application is reviewed, a member of our team will contact you to schedule a brief 30-45 minute interview or site visit.

  3. Reference Check: We connect with local purveyors you work with to verify sourcing and partnership commitments.

  4. Board Review: A subcommittee of Slow Food Denver board members evaluates the complete application against the 6 Pillars to make the final award determination.

 

Note: If an applicant does not fully meet the criteria across the 6 Pillars, we offer a mentorship program that pairs you with experienced Snail Awardees to help strengthen your practices and prepare for future certification.

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Please contact Emily Steels at emily@slowfooddenver.org with any questions regarding the Snail of Approval award​

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