What We Do
“Food Systems are complex networks that include all the inputs and outputs associated with agricultural and food production and consumption. Food systems can vary substantially from place to place and over time, depending on location specific conditions.”
-United States Department of Agriculture
The Food Systems Coordinator supports small, diverse farms and value-added food businesses in Indiana. We are also involved in local food in terms of food safety, economics, and education. The Purdue Food Systems program uses an interdisciplinary approach to collaboratively create educational materials and workshops, while engaging community members to build local economies.
Contact Us
Sarah Hanson
Food Systems Coordinator
sspeedy@purdue.edu
615 W. State Street
West Lafayette, IN 47907
765-494-8483
Producer
Producer
Farmers/producers can learn more about community organizations and resources.
View ResourcesFood Safety
Food Safety
Consumer
Consumer
Learn more about organizations and resources to help consumers navigate our food systems.
View ResourcesFood Business and Entrepreneurship
Food Business and Entrepreneurship
Learn more about resources related to Food Business and Entrepreneurship
View ResourcesFeatured Stories
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — This year’s Indiana Invasive Species Conference, hosted by Purdue Extension in partnership with the Indiana Invasive Species Council, will take place Sept. 4-5 in Hammond, Indiana. The conference welcomes anyone who is interested in invasive species and offers the opportunity to connect with academic and industry professionals, gain valuable education, and receive hands-on training from experts.
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Indiana State Fair kicks off Aug. 1 and highlights the theme “Soundtrack of Summer,” presented by Get Prepared Indiana. Fairgoers can also hear from Purdue University experts about everything from insects to drones to physical and financial wellness, all of which Purdue Extension teaches year-round.
Playing in the dirt isn’t just a summer-time activity for kids. It can be a great tool for youth to learn about the soil that Indiana farmers rely on, and Purdue Extension’s 4-H educators accomplished that at the new event “Experience 4-H: Crop and Soil Science.”
Hopefully you are starting to harvest some wonderful vegetables from your garden. If you are unsure if a vegetable is ready to harvest, hopefully the information below will help. Additionally, we have information about a Pressure Gauge Testing event for those who may want to have their pressure canner tested this year.
One of the best ways to improve both forage yield and animal performance on low-producing grass pastures is to periodically renovate them.
Purdue Extension – Washington County is hosting a Local Foods Tour on Saturday, August 23, 2025 beginning at 12:30 pm in Salem, IN.