Ozark Slow Food has sponsored and supported regional farm and food activities including:
NWA Local Food Guide
OSF originated, produced and distributed the first NWA regional food guide in 2011 and grew it to an 80 page publication with thousands of copies provided free to local residents. Funds for 5 issues of the guide were raised through a series of local food celebrations, with food sourced from local farms and featuring local chefs. In 2024 we sponsored and supported the formation of the NWA Local Food Network, a sister nonprofit which now produces and distributes the guide.
Local Food Events
• We recently partnered with Honeycomb Kitchen and a local chef on a hands-on cooking local class that sourced ingredients from 11 local farms and resulted in a delicious multi-course meal.
• A local PawPaw Party in 2025 was included in nationwide Joyful Dinner series promoted through Slow Food USA.
• Sponsored and volunteered for the Center for Arkansas Food and Farms (CAFF) “Farmers for Tomorrow” events in 2025 and 2026.
Ozark Slow Food Micro-Grants
Ozark Slow Food’s Micro-Grant Program was established in 2012 to help grow the local food culture in our region by supporting local farmers and producers. 34 microgrants awarded through 2020 aided farmers and producers in diversifying and enhancing the production and distribution of sustainably grown, locally-produced food in the region. Past awardees include:
Ames Orchard and Nursery – Guy Ames
Sycamore Bend Farm – Andrew Schwerin
White River Creamery – Scott & Tessa McCormick
Villines Farm-Genevieve and Joe Vilines
Lightner Farm – Bob and Sheryl Lightner
Ozark Alternatives – Paul Chapracki & Amanda Wunderlich
Right Now: Our local farmers, markets (rural and town), and customers are all experiencing the impacts of extremes in weather, uncertain production and market conditions, and cuts in food program support to those with limited income. OSF is working on funds to relaunch our microgrants awards in 2026-2027 to address some of these challenges.