Jeni’s Table with Pete Duff of Fare & Just Kitchen

We are thrilled to announce an exciting new collaboration between Jeni Wheeler, Director and Co-Founder of Family Table Collaborative (FTC), and Peter Duff, the talented chef behind Fare & Just Kitchen. This partnership is about more than just cooking – it is about transforming the way we think about food, nutrition, and sustainability, all while reducing waste and providing our community with healthier, more affordable options.

In today’s fast-paced world, time is scarce, and the importance of our health has often taken a backseat. Many of us rely on convenience, opting for microwavable meals or takeout, but these choices come at a cost. Processed foods, high in fat, salt, sugar, and preservatives, have contributed to a growing health crisis, one that is made even worse by the rising costs of food and the staggering amount of waste we generate. It is a conundrum that leaves us questioning how we can make better choices while still fitting the demands of our busy lives.

This is where Jeni’s Table comes in. On August 17th, Jeni and Pete will bring their culinary talents together to offer a new, exciting way to cook healthy, flavorful meals using the ingredients we already have at home. The concept is simple yet impactful: we will purchase the ingredients needed for one delicious dish from Pete’s collection, and then Jeni will show you how to make additional recipes using what’s left, along with a few everyday pantry staples. This not only helps reduce food waste, but also empowers you to create nutritious meals from scratch, making healthy eating more accessible and less expensive.

Pete Duff, known for his innovative vegan and gluten-free dishes, brings a wealth of experience to FTC. He has worked as a line chef for years and has built a reputation on Cape Cod with his plant-based offerings at Fare & Just Kitchen. Though he faced challenges with his restaurant, including lease issues, staffing, and rising food costs, Pete’s passion for food and community never wavered. Earlier this year, Pete made the difficult decision to close Fare & Just, but his journey did not end there. An opportunity arose for him to join FTC, where he could continue to share his culinary creativity while contributing to FTC’s mission of addressing nutritional security on Cape Cod.

"At this point in my career, I want to do something that matters," Pete explains. "I was born and raised on Cape Cod. I want to create impact with my food and for my community… and no organization does that better than the Family Table Collaborative."

Pete’s presence at FTC has been invaluable. You can find his plant-based creations every Saturday and Sunday at FTC’s Weekend Market, from 11 AM to 2 PM, at 1338 MA-28, South Yarmouth. His food is not just about great taste – it is about making a difference, promoting sustainability, and offering accessible, nutritious meals to the community. Pete also heads FTC’s non-profit catering arm, which helps support the organization’s mission to increase nutritional security on Cape Cod.

Jeni Wheeler, with her expertise in social entrepreneurship and a passion for reducing food waste, has built FTC into a powerful force for good. She believes that access to real, healthy food should be a basic human right, and she works tirelessly to create sustainable change through innovation and creative partnerships. Jeni’s work with FTC is helping bridge the gap in nutritional security for Cape Cod’s most vulnerable residents, and her partnership with Pete Duff is just another example of how FTC is transforming the local food system.

This event is a celebration of food, community, and sustainability. Whether you are new to cooking or a seasoned chef, you will leave with new skills, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of how to make the most of your ingredients. By investing in ourselves, we can not only improve our health but also support our local community and reduce our environmental impact.

Join us on August 17th for this unique opportunity to learn from two passionate culinary leaders and discover how easy it can be to make delicious, healthy meals without waste. Let’s get cooking!