Slow Food Gästrikland & Uppsala regularly invites members and the public to communal meals highlighting current topics related to our food system – sparking discussions and connections.
“Eating together is a moment for discussions – about food culture, different approaches to food, and the role of multinational companies when it comes to the health of humans and the environment,” says Gertrud Edström, chair of the board of Slow Food Gästrikland & Uppsala.
Gertrud has been a Slow Food activist for over a decade, passionate about promoting respect for food and food culture.
“Our board’s goal is to share knowledge about food culture and the food we are eating, so the information is available to more people,” Gertrud says.
Honoring Local Ingredients
To celebrate Terra Madre Day in December – the global Slow Food Day of action and celebration – the group gathered members and the public to participate in a dinner honoring local ingredients. First out was a dinner event featuring six dishes made with potatoes.
“For the younger generations, potatoes are mostly fries or chips. It is essential to put the potatoes in a broader context – it is a Swedish staple and an ingredient that historically has taken us through years of hardship and hunger,” says Gertrud.
The second day of Terra Madre celebrations featured a spread of local Christmas delicacies made with only Krav certified ingredients – organic and ethically produced – exemplifying how to include locally produced ingredients for Christmas.
These moments around the table tells a lot about the primary goal of Slow Food Gästrikland & Uppsala. The group promote local producers and farmers at harvest markets and communal meals, and share knowledge about sustainable food practices during lectures at the local University and workshops open to the general public.
“We have a right to know what we are eating,” concludes Gertrud.
Slow Food Gästrikland & Uppsala – Upcoming Events
In 2026, Slow Food Gästrikland & Uppsala will make a study trip to a farm dairy, watch and discuss the documentary Frökriget, arrange three food and harvest markets, and host communal dinners featuring crayfish and surströmming, and more. To learn more about the activities of Slow Food Gästrikland & Uppsala – head over to slowfoodgastrikland.se.
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