Slow Food advocates sell wares made with care
Despite a chapter of the eating concept leaving the table, many sellers remain to whet appetites in Shellharbour and beyond
After 15 years of championing "good, clean and fair food", promoting local growers and producers and shouting the benefits of seasonality from the rooftops, Illawarra’s Slow Food movement recently took blow when the Slow Food Saddleback/Kiama Convivium called it a day.
All is not lost as mindful eating is still on the menu in the Shellharbour area and neighbouring suburbs, with many local businesses and markets operating within the realms of the Slow Food philosophy.
What is the slow food movement and why is it important?
Rosie Cupitt from Cupitt’s Estate in Milton was the pioneer of the Slow Food South Coast convivium, founding it to celebrate local food and wine and connect farmers directly with the community. The idea behind the group is to promote locally sourced food that is good to eat, produced as cleanly as possible (sustainability) and fairly priced. Eating seasonally is important, says Rosie, and while food does not always have to be organic, it's preferable to favour produce with fewer chemicals.
Slow Food is an alternative to the ultra-processed fast-food industry and its abundant, easily accessed options. “Diseases such as type 2 diabetes and bowel cancer are on the rise – we are seeing increasing levels in our young people – so reminding people to eat well, including locally grown, fresh produce whenever possible, is more important than ever.”
Here are 10 local businesses to support…
The Nest Markets: Held every second Saturday at Reddall Reserve, Lake Illawarra, these markets feature locally grown produce straight from the source. Organiser Nicole O’Brien says the markets offer “food with a story you can actually stand in front of and shake the hand behind it. There’s Veggies from Yuri and his neighbours, honey from the Illawarra, eggs from pasture-raised chickens on the South Coast, relish made from local ingredients, Australian-grown nuts, seedlings raised here, fresh juice squeezed from real fruit, and farm jerky from Jamberoo.” Visit www.thenestmarkets.com
Kiama Farmer’s Market: Held every Wednesday from 2-5pm at Coronation Park at Surf Beach Kiama, this market sells seasonal produce fresh from market gardens. Produce includes fruit, vegies, meat, seafood, honey, bread and wine as well as a wonderful selection of street food vendors. Grab a bite to eat and take a seat overlooking Surf Beach while enjoying tunes from local talent. Head to the Facebook page for further information and regular market/weather updates.
Green Connect: An 11-acre urban farm based in Warrawong that employs young people and former refugees in jobs that help the planet and the community. Organic principles are used to produce fruit, veggies, herbs, honey, flowers and free-range meat. Vegie boxes are packed and delivered throughout the Illawarra weekly. Visit green-connect.com.au
The Portuguese Tart: Home-based business run by a Shellharbour family. Delicious Portuguese tarts baked daily and available for order online or at the Stockland Monthly pop-up store. Find these beauties on Facebook, Instagram @the.portugesetart and at www.theportugesetart.com.au
The Loop Kitchen: Shellharbour’s 2026 most environmentally friendly neighbour Veronique Robin runs this sustainable meal service with meals cooked and delivered the same day. Find these healthy meals that are good for you and the planet on Facebook and Instagram @_theloopkitchen and also at www.theloopkitchen.com.au
Mastro & Co Italian: Founded by Calderwood residents Simone and Bruno, this business produces authentic Italian homestyle meals including a range of pastas, meatballs, cannelloni and desserts – the tiramisu is a crowd pleaser. Order online through Facebook and Instagram @mastroandcoitalian.
Sweet and Sacred: Connecting the backyard hive to the community with small batch honey harvested in Shellharbour and delivered throughout the Illawarra. Beekeeping came to Coehn from a craving to be more connected with nature. This brand of honey is untreated, unheated and raw, ensuring the nutrients are all kept in the product. Further details on Facebook and Instagram @sweetandsacred.
Dough Baby: From her home in Mt Warrigal, Felicity bakes all types of sourdough loaves with prices starting at just $7 a loaf. Choose from classic sourdough through to the savoury jalapeno or try the popular olive or bacon, cheese, spring onion and crispy chilli oil. Phone 0475 061627 or go to the Dough Baby Facebook page to order.
Mini Me Sweets and Gifts: Based in Shell Cove, Victoria’s business produces mini-cupcakes, choc dipped strawberries and slices are divine and will leave you wanting more. In addition to her online sales, Victoria has found success selling wholesale for the past six years, expanding her reach to a number of cafes and businesses around the Illawarra. You may have seen these heavenly delights more recently popping up at local markets and events. For enquiries, send a direct message via Facebook or Instagram @minimesweetsgifts.
Albion Park Community Hub Market: Held on the first Sunday of each month in Centenary Hall, these markets offer a wide range of local businesses and artisans showcasing fresh food and produce as well as handmade crafts. Visit www.albionparkcommunityhubmarket.com
