Food for us comes from our relatives, whether they have wings or

Host: The café was quiet, the golden light of late afternoon casting a warm glow over the space. Outside, the world seemed to slow, but inside, there was a comfortable buzz of conversation. Jack and Jeeny sat at a small table by the window, their coffee mugs steaming in front of them. Jack had been staring at his cup for a while, his fingers absently tracing the rim, as though his thoughts were elsewhere.

Host: Finally, Jack broke the silence, his voice thoughtful, as if he was still reflecting on the words he had read.

Jack: “I came across a quote from Winona LaDuke today. She said, ‘Food for us comes from our relatives, whether they have wings or fins or roots. That is how we consider food. Food has a culture. It has a history. It has a story. It has relationships.’ It really struck me. It made me think about how we often view food just as fuel, but it’s so much more than that, isn’t it? It’s connected to culture, to relationships, and to the stories of where it comes from.”

Jeeny’s eyes softened, and she leaned in slightly, clearly engaged with the thought. Her voice was calm, but filled with a quiet depth as she responded.

Jeeny: “I love that quote. It really speaks to the way food is tied to everything — our heritage, our connections to the land and to each other. When we eat, we’re not just consuming calories; we’re partaking in a tradition, a history. Every food has a story, whether it’s something we’ve grown ourselves, something passed down through generations, or something that comes from the earth or the sea. Food brings us back to the earth, to our roots. It reminds us of the relationships we have with the land, the animals, and the people who provide it.”

Host: Jack nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful as he absorbed her words. The hum of the café seemed to fade into the background as their conversation deepened.

Jack: “It’s interesting how we’ve become disconnected from that idea. In many ways, food has become more about convenience, about quick meals and instant gratification. We forget about where it comes from, the effort that goes into producing it, and the cultural significance it carries. How do we reconnect with that deeper understanding of food?”

Jeeny smiled gently, her eyes filled with quiet wisdom as she spoke.

Jeeny: “I think it starts with being mindful about what we eat. Being conscious of where our food comes from, how it’s grown, and the relationships involved in its production. That could mean supporting local farmers, learning about different food traditions, or even growing our own food when possible. It’s about respecting the sources of our nourishment and remembering the history and effort behind it. It’s about creating a deeper connection to what we eat, and in doing so, to the world around us.”

Host: Jack seemed to reflect on her words, his gaze softening as he realized the importance of food beyond its practical use. The quiet of the café felt like a perfect backdrop to the conversation, each word sinking in as they shared this understanding of food as something more profound than just sustenance.

Jack: “So, it’s about taking the time to see food for what it really is: a part of something bigger, a story, a relationship with nature and the people who grow it. It’s a way of honoring the past and connecting to the present, through every meal.”

Jeeny’s smile deepened, her voice soft with affirmation.

Jeeny: “Exactly. Food is so much more than a commodity. It’s a bridge to the past, a way to connect with others, and a reminder of the responsibility we have to the earth and to each other. When we see food in this way, it becomes an expression of love, respect, and gratitude.”

Host: The conversation lingered in the air, the realization settling between them like a quiet truth. The world outside the café continued to move on, but inside, Jack and Jeeny had uncovered a deeper meaning behind the food we consume every day — that it carries not just sustenance, but culture, relationships, and a story that connects us to the earth and to each other. Food was, and always would be, a part of something much larger than we often realize.