It's a fresh food revolution that's connecting communities, growing biodiversity and putting more money in the pockets of local farmers.

Forget about fast food, this movement is all about getting back to "slow food".

The Slow Food Earth Market Maitland in NSW's Hunter Valley - the first of its kind in Australia - has made buying direct from farmers and producers second nature. Shoppers enjoy the chance to buy quality food and get to know the people who help feed their family.

They soon learn what's in season and how they can eat seasonally at home - unlike in the supermarket where everything always seems to be plentiful.

They have also forged strong relationships with other shoppers and the farmers and producers. The food takes on a new meaning when they know who has helped to feed their family.

Now in its fourth year, shoppers are still raving about the benefits of the produce - it lasts longer in the fridge, tastes better and has been harvested either the morning of the market or the night before.

They stand by the farmers in the dry times and relish with them with when the seasons are sensational.

The food is also fairly priced so the shopper gets a quality product and the farmer receives an adequate reward for their efforts - so they can keep farming.

That price point means they walk away with enough food to feed the family for two weeks and have only spent a fraction of what it would have cost at the supermarket.

The twice-monthly venture operates on the Slow Food principles of Good, Clean and Fair food and stallholders must have grown the produce or used food within a certain radius to make a product.

The market has seen farmers and producers taken on a mentoring role - and nurture newcomers. That support network is helping to expand the biodiversity in the area and it's enticing shoppers to start their own veggie patch.

It has also given 11-year-old Charlie Baitch, who is on the autism spectrum, the chance to try out his dream of being a farmer - while he is still at school - and learn vital life skills like growing vegetables, serving customers and handling money.

And there's Crissy Rowcliff who delved into the world of bees and honey just two years ago. Now she's selling honeycomb and featuring on wedding menus.

"Slow food" communities are cropping up all across the nation - from Hobart in the south to Victoria's Central Highlands, the ACT and Brisbane.

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