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

Purdue Extension.
Junior Leaders

Put away your candy and break out the canned goods! Lawrence County 4-H Junior Leaders will be Trick or Treating in an effort to provide the LIFE Food Pantry with one of its largest donations for the year. To find out how you can help, check out this article.

Read More
picture of extension building
Allen Express - October 2025

The Allen Express - October 2025 Edition

Read More
Purdue Extension.
2025 Extension Board Annual Meeting

Join us on November 5 for a Lunch 'n Learn at StoneGate Art & Education Center presented by the Lawrence County Extension Board. Meeting will take place from Noon-1:15pm.

Read More
Local Products Guide
Washington County Local Products Guide

The updated Washington County Local Products Guide is now available at the Extension office.

Read More
A group of event participants watches as a woman is lifted by a seat on a mechanical arm, which is attached to a small tractor.
Oct. 16 expo features assistive technology for agriculture

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Assistive technologies are critical for the success of farmers with disabilities and other functional limitations. As the average age of farmers increases, more producers can benefit from these tools. However, many people are unaware of the technologies available, and few people have experience using them.

Read More
chickweed
What is a Weed?

At first glance, you may think, “I know what a weed is!” But, do you understand their life cycle, the type of weed, and effective control methods?

Read More