By Don Steen
Members of the Spencer County Regional Chamber of Commerce met Thursday morning, January 25 at the Spencer County Youth and Community Center in Chrisney. That center is the home of the Spencer County Purdue Extension Office, a fitting location given its proximity to the 4-H Fairgrounds. That morning’s get together allowed members of the extension office to discuss some of the services they provide.
As the name implies, the Purdue Extension Office is an extension of Purdue University. These offices help give communities across the state access to the latest research and resources of the college, particularly in the realm of agricultural science but far from limited to it.
One does not need to be a student to need access to research-based information. Local officials, farmers, and other organizations often rely on the work stemming from Purdue University to determine how best to utilize natural resources, manage cropland and livestock, and other activities.
The university also helps local residents and governments with programs related to health, wellness, education. This can entail helping provide access to federal funding opportunities, such as supplementary programs related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Much of these supplementary programs involve education, helping those with limited resources plan meals to maximize nutritional benefit for the lowest possible cost. This can come in the form of a complex budgeting seminar, or something as basic as outlining healthy habits to develop. For example, reminding oneself that bananas, produce, and such need to be prepared and consumed relatively quickly can help avoid waste. Time management can also be a useful skill in this regard, as food planning can open up new options without having to rely on readily accessible (but unhealthy) snack foods.
Of course, Spencer County Purdue Extension also takes a leading roll in the local 4-H Program and related activities throughout the year. The office also seeks to help local schools access equipment and research for other activities, such as robotics and STEM programs.
Read more on this story in this week’s issue of the Spencer County Leader!
Featured Image: The Chamber of Commerce members met with members of the Spencer County Purdue Extension Office Thursday, January 25 to discuss the services the extension office provides
Nicholas Held, from the Spencer County Purdue Extension Office, speaks to the group about some of the services the extension office provides
