Slow Food Pittsburgh is proud to announce the formation and first meeting of a campus Slow Food convivium at Carnegie Mellon University.

The formation of this campus chapter, one of the first in the nation, was not the fruit of recruitment by Slow Food Pittsburgh (SFP). No, the students recruited SFP.

This landmark event was launched in the Student University Center on January 24, 2007. Showcased were locally made and produced foods. The student leader spoke to the group and gave insights into local and national programs, a faculty representative spoke about campus nutrition and choices, questions were answered and every bite of local food was scarfed away. Approximately 108 students attended with 33 of them signing up for the SF/CMU mailing list.

Here’s the back story.
In September, a University of Pittsburgh student, Mark Wanczek , contacted SFP leaders. He chose non-profit SFP for his senior advertising and public relations project. He would develop promotional materials for campus radio, television and newspaper. He would design a student brochure, and write a “letter of interest” to be sent to campus clubs and organizations. These materials would serve as a template for use on any campus. Hold that thought. We’ll get back to Mark.

In September, SFP co-leader Marlene Parrish was asked to give a presentation to students and faculty as part of the annual International Days. At the end of the program, several enthusiastic students suggested that CMU start a convivium. In late October, a planning and strategy meeting was held. The organizing players were/are Lisa Campbell, senior music major who has been a one-man band and energizing force; Paula Martin, Dietitian and Nutrition educator, who is the faculty /sponsor representative, Emily Klein, PhD candidate in the English Department. Mark from Pitt also attended. We picked a date for an introductory event that would not conflict with finals, semester breaks and such. January 24 was penciled in.

We are most fortunate to have the enthusiastic support of Jamie Moore, Director of Food and Beverage, Eat’n Park Hospitality Group. He sourced the local foods that we served and recruited the CMU food service executive chef to work with the students. Goals were set: Apply for recognition and get Student Activity Status (campus recognition, funding, e-mail address, more); initiate a first activity; have local foods donated; determine if there is sufficient interest to bring Slow Food to CMU. All goals were met, exceeding all expectations.

SFP’s Parrish attended all meetings and coordinated e-mailings, acting as advisor, mentor and cheerleader. The student committee did not market the event in the traditional advertising avenues of student newspaper, radio, television. These were dismissed as expensive and not as relevant as thought at first. A campus population responds to a different kind of marketing.

Lisa recruited the help/support of “Culinary Club.” She “landscaped” posters on bulletin boards all over campus. Notices were placed on e-bulletin boards. She “chalked,” and “tabled.” She posted info on Facebook, Livejournal (see sample at end) and the Misc Market and received big response.

Emily discussed Slow Food with her 24 writing students and required them to attend the event and write a report. She also assisted Lisa’s activities.

Paula sorted out the official application, worked with Emily and Lisa and is our faculty representative. As hers is a permanent position on campus, she will continue to support and educate new students.

These three women along with SFP member Jamie Moore are to be congratulated for donating an enormous amount of time, energy, interest and enthusiasm to Slow Food/CMU.

These producers contributed to the event:
Whole Foods Market, Pittsburgh
Mediterra Bread, Pittsburgh
Tait Farms, State College
Parma Sausage, Pittsburgh
Fire Fly Farms Cheeses, Maryland
CMU food services, Campus

Next Steps:
“Food on Film” in McConomy Theater targeted for April. General plan for September meeting when Student Activity status will be confirmed and funding available

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