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
2026 Wells County Fair Program
Purdue Extension has a long-standing commitment to providing safe, research based home food preservation educational classes and pressure canner testing at local Extension offices. For many years, these services have helped Indiana residents preserve food safely and confidently using trusted, science based methods.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently confirmed that New World Screwworm (NWS) has been found in a calf (bovine) in Zavala County, Texas.
June/July 2026 Purdue Extension-Washington County Newsletter
What does an old fire station, an urban farm, art, llamas, and a cookout have in common? They all came together at the Spring into Art Block Party at Johnnie Mae Farm (JMF) on April 25, creating an afternoon filled with creativity, connection, and community spirit.
4-H Fair Judges 2026