SLOW Food president Carlo Petrini has lent his support to local residents in Haberfield, Sydney, who are battling against the opening of a McDonalds in their community. The 24-hour fast food outlet is destined to join the traditional Italian delicatessen, fruit markets and other small family food businesses for which the suburb has become renowned.

‘All over the world we see big food producers trying to destroy local food economies, so you have to use education and pressure,’ said Petrini, who was in Australia for the Sydney International Food Festival. ‘We need to recognise the power of advertising, and the power it has over our children. We need to work hard for education, to create support for local communities, and to communicate. Local is the key word – local economy, local culture, local eating.’

Residents say a McDonalds outlet would clash strongly with the Haberfield community identity. ‘We want to celebrate the small family business especially those associated with good food and cultures from around the world. Haberfield is a wonderfully unique suburb for food and it would be appalling if a large fast-food outlet were to open there,’ said Maeve O’Meara, food author broadcaster and television food presenter.

The community has until 29 October to lodge objections against McDonalds’ application to build a 100-plus seat, drive-thru outlet operating 24 hours, seven days a week. Once these are assessed, the local council will then debate the issue and vote on a final decision.

Around 2000 signatures against  McDonalds have been collected in the past two weeks, with nearly all shopkeepers in the area joining the protest. Door knocking has revealed that the vast majority of local residents are appalled at the proposed fast food outlet. The petition has now been translated into Italian, Hindi and Chinese so that all residents have the chance to voice their concerns about this threat to their food culture.

Last weekend, a street fair was held as part of the Sydney International Food Festival in Haberfield to celebrate good and well-prepared food.

People can join this protest from all around the world by email or by joining the Haberfield protest facebook group.