November 2025

As the light changes, weather cools and growers prepare for winter our Slow Food team is keenly aware of the power of food to bring people together.

The coming holidays remind us that a shared meal can warm both the body and the spirit. We live surrounded by fields and waters that yield bountiful harvests, we have so many people raised and drawn far and wide to these fertile grounds who are passionate about what we eat, how its grown, served, preserved and shared. This is the season we truly appreciate the nutritious and emotional rewards of the Slow Food movement. Looking back on the year one of our proudest achievements has been nominating and awarding Snail of Approvals, this year we recognized 14 East End businesses with an award!

Countless of our neighbors rely on the generosity of others to celebrate the season with dignity and joy. This year we encourage you to join the efforts of organizations that work every day to combat food insecurity. We have a list below of programs who need volunteers are helping make that possible, every act of kindness is felt by others.

Traditionally we have relied on an annual silent auction to support our daily work and many programming initiatives. This year our lean, passionate group of volunteer board members frankly did not have the bandwidth to organize this event. Do you have time or skills to help us next year? Please reach out slowfoodeastend@gmail.com.

And finally as we look ahead to the new year it’s also the time for me to pass the baton to new leadership on our board. I have proudly served on the board for six years and invite you to join us for our Annual Meeting on Saturday, December 7th, 1-3pm to meet our new 2026 leaders. We’ll celebrate our Snail winners, reflect on the year’s accomplishments, and share more news about Slow Food East End. Register here to save a spot at the fabulous Boathouse in Greenport, one of three Silver Sands eateries who have also earned our Snail of Approval this year.

Warmly,
Maria McBride
Chapter Chair

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A Call to Action: Standing Up for Food Access

Responding to the SNAP Cuts on the East End and ongoing Food Insecurity

Over 42 million people are expected to feel the pain of the continuing federal shutdown as emergency SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits are being withheld from our neediest and most vulnerable neighbors. Additionally, earlier this year the Big federal bill drastically cut SNAP funding by $290 billion over ten years and eliminating SNAP-Ed, the nationwide nutrition education program that has helped millions learn practical cooking skills and healthier eating habits. These cuts impact our farmers and local grocers too

It falls to all of us to step up to help the organizations on the front lines of support and also protest these efforts that will overwhelm millions of Americans, including many here on the East End. This abrupt disruption compounds an already dire situation. The impact on East End families in need will be profound and there are many ways to help.

CAST (Center for Advocacy, Support & Transformation)
We’ve had a long tradition of supporting CAST through our Flour Power bread donations, fresh loaves for their Thanksgiving baskets are welcome and If baking bread isn’t your thing, consider purchasing a local pie to add to their Thanksgiving baskets. CAST can receive donations of bread or pie Monday, 11/17 – Monday 11/24. They are open weekdays and the bread can be delivered to the SFEE cooler. Bags and labels will be available in the Slow Food cooler.
53930 Main Road, Southold

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Springs Food Pantry
This all-volunteer organization provides supplemental food to families in need throughout the local community. Consider donating, volunteering, or contacting them directly at springsfoodpantry@gmail.com.
5 Old Stone Highway, East Hampton

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Island Harvest
As Long Island’s leading hunger-relief organization, Island Harvest works to end hunger and reduce food waste. Donations help support pantries across Long Island, including those here on the East End.
Contact or donate online

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Heart of the Hamptons Food Pantry
Located on the grounds of the Basilica of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary R.C. Church, Heart of the Hamptons serves more than 2,000 local households. Food donations are accepted Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 AM–3 PM.
168 Hill Street, Southampton Village

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The Rise Market Pantry

The Rise Market Pantry distributes food every Wednesday from 9 AM–1 PM. Their food bank is 100% donation-based and always in need of community support.

901 East Main Street, Suite 508, Riverhead

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Citizens 4 Humanity

Founded by Insatiable Eats, owner and Chef Marco Barrila and his wife Sheila, Citizens 4 Humanity provides healthy, prepared meals for those in need on the East End. Operating out of Insatiable Eats Catering Kitchen, the organization welcomes both volunteers to prep, cook, package and deliver holiday meals directly to the doors of those in need and financial donations to sustain their efforts. Contact citizens4humanity@gmail.com.
300 East Main Street, Riverhead

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Celebrating Our 2025 Snail of Approval Award Winners

Honoring the people and places that make good, clean,

and fair food possible on the East End

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Each year, Slow Food East End recognizes local businesses and producers whose work embodies our values of sustainability, community, and delicious integrity. The Snail of Approval Awards honor those who bring the Good, Clean, and Fair principles of the Slow Food movement to life — farmers, fishers, bakers, chefs, and makers who nourish both people and place.

This year our 16 honorees truly reflect the vibrant diversity of our local food system, from the fertile fields of Sagaponack to the waters of Peconic Bay. One of our first 2025 awards went to Stony Brook Hospital Southampton Nutritional Services Department. This is our second award to a hospital on the East End that has prioritized food as medicine. Mattituck Mushrooms, led by Anthony Holbrook and Agathe Snow, cultivates extraordinary varieties with artistry and care, Garden of Eve, established in 2001, one of the first organic farms on the East End, the Foster family at Sagaponack Farm and Distillery continues a grain-to-glass legacy rooted in sustainability, while Peconic Gold Oysters and Little Ram exemplify regenerative aquaculture and a deep respect for our marine environment.

Across the East End, restaurants and markets continue to elevate local ingredients and hospitality. Minnow at the Galley Ho, Cutchogue Diner, First & South, and Eddie’s, Nookies, and The Boathouse each celebrate seasonal, locally inspired fare that connects people to place. Lombardi’s Love Lane Market remains a cherished hub for quality goods and neighborly connection, while Disset Chocolate delights with creative, sustainably sourced confections.

We also celebrate South Fork Bakery, where Bridget Fleming and her team prove that food can be both delicious and transformative, creating meaningful employment for adults with developmental disabilities while crafting irresistible treats.

Together, these honorees remind us that the East End’s food culture thrives because of those who care deeply for the land and sea, honor craftsmanship, and strengthen community through food. Keep an eye out for our Snail of Approval signs (designed by our friends at Relic) proudly displayed, first at our local growers farms (photo above shows the SOA sign at Share the Harvest Farm) — they’re a symbol of dedication to local, sustainable growing you can trust and enjoy.

Thanks to our Snail of Approval committee for researching our nominees and congratulations to all our 2025 Snail of Approval Award winners! Their passion inspires us to slow down, savor, and celebrate the bounty that makes our region so special.

Riverhead Indoor Farmers Market is Back

Shop local, eat seasonal, and celebrate the spirit of the East End

this holiday season and all winter.

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The Riverhead Farmers Market is back! All winter long they bring together the best of the East End’s local food and craft community. Open every Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM, rain or shine, the market takes place inside the heated warehouse at Twin Fork Beer Co. located at 807 Raynor Ave. in Riverhead.

It’s the perfect spot to stock up on fresh produce, baked goods, pastries, floral arrangements, herbal teas and remedies, handmade candles, pottery, and unique holiday gifts — all grown or crafted locally. Whether you’re preparing your holiday table or hunting for thoughtful, handmade gifts, the market offers a warm, welcoming way to celebrate the season and support small businesses.

More than just a place to shop, the market is a community hub where you can meet neighbors, discover new makers, and enjoy the sights, smells, and flavors of the East End. Every purchase helps sustain local farms, food producers, and artisans who keep our region thriving.

Interested in becoming a vendor? Follow @riverheadfarmersmarket on Instagram and fill out the vendor application linked in their bio.

TIP: Don’t be afraid to buy extra of all your favorite veggies, here’s how to store your garden vegetables for the winter. Follow Margaret Roach, the garden columnist for The New York Times at her website, A Way to Garden for all sorts of helpful information.