Platter Chatter

Conversations about food.

Today we are featuring Jayni Carey from “Janyi’s Kitchen.”

What is your definition of local?

Local foods grown or raised within 100 miles or less of where we live. Foods are fresher, tastier and likely, healthier, when they don’t have to travel long distances to the consumer. Shopping at farmers’ markets and natural foods stores makes it easy to find and purchase foods that are grown locally.

What is definition of sustainable?

Sustainable refers to a food system which supports local farmers and locally grown foods. Our foods should be produced with the highest standards, always striving for fresh, organic, chemical free and minimal processing. It means fair trade between the producers, retailers and consumers, humane treatment of animals and careful handling of fruits and vegetables. Sustainable practices include taking care of the land and supporting the rural economy and culture.

When you think of local, sustainable, and community, how would you rank the three (from most important to least) and why?

Local, sustainable and community are tied together. If we get to know the farmers in our community, it gives us comfort in knowing where our food is coming from and how it’s grown or raised, while supporting the local economy.

What’s one thing people can do to be more local and sustainable?

Buy local and seasonal! Support your local farmers’ market. Shop at your local natural foods store and purchase local, organic, and fair trade products whenever possible. Plant a small backyard garden and experience the joy of growing some of your own foods.

We met Janyi this summer during our Eat Well Guided Tour of America and appeared on her show! I even gave my special recipes up for Janyi. We had a great time and hope to make it back to Lawrence sometime soon.

Jayni Carey is a cookbook author and the host of “Jayni’s Kitchen,” a weekly cooking show which originates in Lawrence, Kansas and airs across the state. Jayni also writes a monthly food column, “From Jayni’s Kitchen” for Boomergirl.