The place for rural

Today we're having a meeting with the Dept. of Agriculture about the regulations for temporary food vendors at outdoor events. The outcome will affect many organizations. As I understand it, federal rules have not changed but under the Kansas Dept. of Health & Environment's guidance the inspectors just became more stringent. Ag will be taking over the inspections in 2009.

Representatives from every region will attend the meeting, designed to be pro-active. Two representatives are coming from Ag, including Steve Moris who is in charge of this issue. We're pleased at their willingness to meet with all of us and I'm hoping that we'll be able to insure safety but at the same time make it possible for local organizations to continue fundraising with their food booths.

Fives miles outside of Inman, the barn-like building is the Kansas Sampler Center (and home of the Kansas Sampler Foundation) here on the Penner Farm. Many rural issues have been discussed here over the years.

This will likely be a first step.

Understanding the importance of local organizations fundraising through food booths at local events is to "Get Kansas!"

KE #2 Marci Penner