Check Out Maya Brook’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maya Brook.

Hi Maya, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Over thirty years ago, a group of Italians gathered in Rome to protest a fast food franchise that was opening at the base of the iconic Spanish Steps. Instead of throwing rocks and yelling, the activists brought a huge bowl of pasta and shared it with the crowd that gathered, chanting: We don’t want fast food. We want Slow Food!

That gathering was the birth of the Slow Food movement. It highlighted the significance of supporting local farmers, the importance of food culture worldwide, and the value of gathering around a table to connect with one another around food. Learn more through the Slow Food Manifesto.

Today, Slow Food is a global movement involving millions of people in over 160 countries, with 150 chapters in the United States to inspire individuals and communities to change the world through food that is good, clean and fair for all.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Our Mission is Good, Clean and Fair food for all. Slow Food believes that food represents a common language and universal right. We envision a world in which all people can eat food that is good for them, good for the people who grow it and good for the planet.

Because our vision and mission are so ambitious, it is never a smooth road! There are always so many hurdles and struggles to achieve this.

However, it is not impossible, and that’s why we do what we do: support diversity in ecosystems and societies, promote food that is local, seasonal, and sustainably grown, and advocate for dignity of labor from field to fork.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I love being the Executive Director of Slow Food Denver, as I’m passionate about access to affordable, fresh, healthy, and local food that is fair for all. As a mom of three young boys, I feel that sustainable farming will help ensure my children’s and all children’s future, and that playing in the dirt and eating from the land should be a way of life!

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Slow Food Denver is a volunteer-driven organization who relies on volunteers for continued success. Volunteer opportunities most frequently happen in conjunction with our events, and gardening days and can range from guest check-in, to digging in the dirt, and more!

One really fun opportunity is during our Gardening at Civic Center Park each summer and fall. Join Slow Food Denver and Grow Local Colorado for a morning of tending to the gardens. We will be weeding, planting, harvesting, and enjoying the Denver morning sun.

All of the produce harvested from these gardens is donated to local food banks and shelters in the Denver area. With your help we can donate fresh, organic produce to those in need!

Upcoming volunteer dates: 8/26, 9/09, 9/23

Learn more here: https://slowfooddenver.org/

Contact Info:

• Email: maya@slowfooddenver.org
• Website: https://slowfooddenver.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slowfooddenver/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SlowFoodDenver/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/slowfooddenver