Nominations are open for the 2026 Snail of Approval Awards. Nominations will remain open until December 1, 2025.

Who Should Be Nominated?

Any food-related business that produces and/or offers food for public consumption in DC, Maryland, or Virginia and is pursuing and practicing Slow Food values of good, clean and fair food can be nominated. The business must be open at least one year prior to being nominated.

Who Can Nominate a Business/Organization?

Anyone can nominate! You can nominate restaurants, farms, ranches, fisheries, cafes, bars, food trucks, breweries, wineries, caterers and value-added food producers to be considered for a Snail of Approval award. We’ll reach out to the nominated organization directly to learn more about their business practices.

How do I start?

The first step in the process is to complete the nomination form.

The nomination form usually takes 30 minutes to complete.

What comes next?

After reviewing nominations, members from the Slow Food DC board will schedule appointments with selected candidates to learn more about your business practices.

Nominations will remain open until December 1, 2025.

Organizations/Businesses who are selected for the Snail of Approval 2026 award will be notified in early 2026.

In spring, Snail of Approval Awardees will be recognized at our bi-annual Snail of Approval Awards Party 2026, a heartfelt celebration of the people and places shaping a more sustainable and connected food future.