Peconic Landing Earns Prestigious 'Snail Of Approval' Honor From Slow Food East End

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NORTH FORK, NY — Peconic Landing has been awarded the Snail of Approval recognition by Slow Food East End.

The honor, Peconic Landing said, celebrates the not-for-profit community's "commitment to food that is good, clean, and fair for all."

Peconic Landing is the second senior living community in the nation to earn the distinction, representatives said.

The award was formally presented during a special ceremony at Peconic Landing on October 13.

Slow Food is a global movement dedicated to building food systems that are environmentally sustainable, culturally meaningful, and socially responsible, Peconic Landing said.

Through its internationally recognized Snail of Approval program, the organization celebrates businesses and institutions that strengthen local food economies and demonstrate leadership in areas including sourcing, environmental impact, cultural connection, community involvement, staff support, and business values, Peconic Landing explained.

Snail of Approval recipients have traditionally included restaurants, farms, wineries, and food producers, making Peconic Landing part of a select group of healthcare and community-serving organizations recognized for sharing Slow Food's values.

"We are incredibly grateful to Slow Food East End for this recognition and for championing the values of good, clean, and fair food throughout our region," said Robert J. Syron, president and CEO of Peconic Landing. "This honor reflects our belief that food has the power to bring people together and strengthen communities. It also affirms our longstanding commitment to enriching the lives of our members while, at the same time, supporting the vitality of the East End."

Beyond the dining table, Peconic Landing's commitment to community involvement is reflected through volunteerism, fundraising, educational partnerships, support for local food pantries, and collaborations with cultural, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations across the East End, representatives said.

"This award reflects something much bigger than dining," said Eileen T. McGuire, board chair of Peconic Landing. "Slow Food's principles are rooted in responsible stewardship, supporting the people who make our mission possible, and strengthening the communities we serve. Those values align closely with our commitment to investing in our team members, partnering with local organizations, and creating meaningful opportunities for connection and engagement throughout the East End."

Peconic Landing's dining program is part of the community's broader commitment to wellness and its five pillars of Successful Living: healthy eating, natural movement, social connection, positive outlook, and cognitive health, representatives said.

The dining team is led by Vice President of Dining Services Debra Foster, award-winning Executive Chef Jean Paul Hascoat, and a culinary team that prioritizes fresh, seasonal ingredients and creates dining experiences that celebrate local traditions and cultural diversity, Peconic Landing said.

Throughout the year, seasonal menus and special dining events often feature products sourced from local farms, fisheries, wineries, and food producers, helping connect members to the region's rich agricultural and maritime heritage, Peconic Landing said.

Peconic Landing also recognized its dining partner, NexDine Hospitality, whose support and shared commitment to fresh food and culinary innovation, they said, have helped advance many of the initiatives celebrated through the award.

"We live in a very agriculturally diverse area, and all of us who live here know this is special," said Dr. Pennie Schwartz, Slow Food East End board chair. "Along with that comes the opportunity and the privilege to make sure everyone has the right to eat good food."

"When I came to eat here, it was incredible," said Ralph Reinertsen, Slow Food East End board member."Peconic Landing received a unanimous vote from our board. One of the best write-ups, one of the best qualified groups that we've had. You should be extremely proud."