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

Image of a man harvesting carrots.
Producer

Farmers/producers can learn more about community organizations and resources.

View Resources

Food Safety

Food Safety

Yegerlehener's On Farm Cheese Production
Food Safety

Learn more about resources related to food safety.

View Resources

Consumer

Consumer

Image of a man standing next to a stand of produce.
Consumer

Learn more about organizations and resources to help consumers navigate our food systems.

View Resources

Food Business and Entrepreneurship

Food Business and Entrepreneurship

Image of a bottle being filled with Maple Syrup
Food Business and Entrepreneurship

Learn more about resources related to Food Business and Entrepreneurship

View Resources

Featured Stories

Small farm operator
Purdue Extension Resources for Diversified Farming and Food Systems

Many of Purdue Extension’s efforts to reach producers operating small and specialty crop farms fall under one “umbrella” program called Diversified Farming and Food Systems (DFFS).

Read More
Purdue Extension.
Purdue Extension Professionals Recognized at Conference

A number of Purdue Extension Professionals were recognized at the annual Purdue Extension Professional Development Conference (PDC) on Friday, December 5, 2025

Read More
camp
2026 4-H Camp Counselor Applications

Want to spend a weekend enjoying 4-H Camp and helping Campers leave with a rewarding experience? Apply today to be a 4-H Camp Counselor!

Read More
Newsletter
December 2025/January 2026 Newsletter

The December 2025/January 2026 edition of the Purdue Extension-Washington County newsletter is now available.

Read More
A Christmas tree with glowing lights
Why you might be a tourist this holiday season

Before you started buying holiday decorations, Christmas tree growers were seven years ahead of you — the average time it takes to grow a tree.

Read More
2 wrapped gifts on a concrete wall with decorative grapes between them
No-Cost Gift Ideas for Gardeners

Are you looking for a meaningful gift for a gardener in your life, but you're short on funds? Here are 4 gift ideas that you can pull together with time and effort instead of money:

Read More