SJC Partners with Slow Food First Coast to Promote Local Food Connections

• 13 October 2026
• Category: Agriculture Community Well-Being Economic Development Economic Prosperity SJC News
• Tags: 2026

Free November 17 event will connect local businesses with farmers and highlight Snail of Approval program

St. Johns County is partnering with Slow Food First Coast, The Floridian, and the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau to connect local businesses with area farmers and promote the Slow Food First Coast Snail of Approval program.

The free Slow Food Snail of Approval Program event will be held Tuesday, November 17, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at The Floridian, 485 Old Beach Road in St. Augustine. The event is designed to help local restaurants, retailers, chefs, and other businesses learn more about the Snail of Approval program, including eligibility requirements and opportunities to participate. Registration and additional event information are available through 904Tix.

The Snail of Approval is a designation recognizing local producers, purveyors, restaurateurs, and artisans who demonstrate a commitment to sourcing local or sustainably produced products, environmental stewardship, cultural diversity in food, community involvement, employee support, and inclusive business practices.

The event will also provide an opportunity for businesses to discuss their needs for locally grown produce and connect with farmers who can supply fruits and vegetables based on seasonal availability. St. Johns County staff will help facilitate those connections and share information about the seasonality of produce grown in Northeast Florida.

The program is also an opportunity for former Snail of Approval businesses to learn how to renew their status and for new businesses to learn how to become involved.

“Connecting our local businesses with our farmers creates opportunities to strengthen our local food system while helping businesses better understand what is grown here and when it is available,” said Prissy Fletcher, Agricultural Liaison for St. Johns County. “This event is a great opportunity to recognize businesses already supporting local agriculture and introduce more businesses to the Snail of Approval program.”

Founded in St. Augustine in 2007, Slow Food First Coast works to strengthen the connection between local food, strong farms and healthy communities on Florida’s First Coast. The organization is part of Slow Food USA and a global network of chapters working to transform the way food is produced, consumed, and enjoyed.

The Floridian was one of the original Snail of Approval businesses in the community and is hosting the November 17 event.

The event will also help identify farmers who can meet local demand for specific crops and encourage greater awareness of seasonal produce available in Northeast Florida.

Event Details

• What: Slow Food Snail of Approval Program
• When: Tuesday, November 17, 2–3:30 p.m.
• Where: The Floridian, 485 Old Beach Road, St. Augustine
• Cost: Free; register online.