Purdue Extension FoodLink Project Seeks to Inform Consumers

      Posted On: March 30, 2018

Purdue University’s new FoodLink website https://extension.purdue.edu/foodlink seeks to inform Indiana consumers about different varieties of produce as well as how to select, prepare, and care for them.

Shoppers can access expert Purdue Extension information on over 60 Indiana fruits and vegetables at some grocery stores, farmers’ markets and roadside stands. “We’ve assigned every fruit and vegetable in Indiana a QR code” that smartphones can read, reported Roy Ballard, Hancock County agriculture and natural resources educator, at the recent Food and Growers Association Winter Conference at Batesville Middle School.

All customers need to do is download free QR Reader apps to their phones.

FoodLink lists the specialty crop name, nutritional content, varieties, photos as harvested, seasonal availability, relevant selection information, initial basic preparation/cooking/storage tips, possible pairings with other seasonally available foods, recipes and even links to YouTube videos.

He urged farmers’ market masters, roadside produce marketers, retail grocers, farmer vendors, food service directors, educators and community garden, food pantry and WIC (Women Infants Children) representatives to enroll in FoodLink on the website. Then free cards about each crop can be ordered or downloaded.