Submitted by Experience Olympia & Beyond
Experience Olympia and Beyond (EOB), Thurston County’s visitor and convention bureau, is excited to announce that Tenino’s Colvin Ranch, located in southern Thurston County, has been awarded the prestigious Slow Food Snail of Approval Award. The Snail of Approval Award is administered by Slow Food USA and awarded by the Slow Food Greater Olympia. The Slow Food Snail of Approval award recognizes food businesses that embody values that yield food that is good, clean and fair for all by committing to responsible sourcing, environmental impact, cultural connections, community involvement, staff support, and business values.
Jennifer Crain, chair of the Slow Food Greater Olympia chapter shared “Colvin Ranch is a star of the South Sound food system and we’re thrilled to be able to highlight their work with a Snail of Approval Award. They provide our community with a source for local, grass-fed beef, have an active prairie restoration program, and contribute to the local community through food donations and workshops — all ways they exemplify Slow Food values. And if you haven’t tried it yet, their beef is delicious.”
According to Experience Olympia & Beyond CEO Annette Pitts, “We couldn’t be more excited to see Colvin Ranch receive this recognition. Thurston county visitors and locals love our area’s culinary scene, and in particular, those dedicated folks that not only source locally, but that actually do the growing locally as well.” Pitts explained further, “Values really matter to consumers today, and in many cases, individuals’ spending and traveling decisions are influenced by their values. The Colvin family’s commitment to the ethical treatment of their animals, the people they work with, their customers, and the land is not only something we are immensely proud of, but we know will resonate with visitors and locals as well.”
The Colvin family has raised grass-fed beef in Tenino since 1854 and continues today which means the process of taking beef to market literally is slower. Colvin Ranch grass-fed and finished beef often takes as much as a year longer to raise and be ready for harvest as compared to beef that is finished on grain.
Jennifer Colvin, owner of Colvin Ranch adds “Our style of ranching is also an important link to our role in caring for the land. Our grazing program enables us to work with nature to efficiently utilize native plants while preserving and protecting some of the last remaining native prairies in Southwest Washington. In the 18 years since the ranch has been protected by a conservation easement, we’ve increased plant diversity by more than 20%, and we now have more than 160 different plant species on the ranch that support a range of wildlife, including the endangered Mazama pocket gopher.”
About Slow Food USA
Slow Food USA strives to create a world where all people can eat food that is good for them, good for the people who grow it, and good for the planet. Slow Food USA unites the joy of food with the pursuit of justice. Slow Food USA cultivates nationwide programs and a network of local chapters, host educational events and advocacy campaigns, and build solidarity through partnerships. Together, Slow Food USA’s partnerships are dismantling oppressive food systems to achieve good, clean and fair food for all.
About Slow Food Greater Olympia
The Slow Food Greater Olympia chapter advocates for sustainability, biodiversity, and equity in the food system by supporting local food producers, hosting educational events, and encouraging people to grow, purchase, and eat local and seasonal foods.
About Experience Olympia & Beyond
Experience Olympia & Beyond is the official destination marketing organization of Thurston County and Thurston County’s Sports Commission. A naturally inspired, approachable destination situated at the foot of Puget Sound, one hour south of Seattle and two hours north of Portland by car, Washington’s capital community inspires handcrafted getaways. The region is perfect for hosting meetings, sporting events and weddings. With more than 2,700 lodging rooms throughout Thurston County, there are several options, ranging from unique bed-and-breakfasts to hotels. For more information, Experience Olympia & Beyond website or connect on Facebook, X (@Experience_Oly) and Instagram (@ExperienceOly).
For more information on Experience Olympia and Beyond, please visit the Experience Olympia & Beyond website.
