Agriculture & Natural Resources (ANR) Extension strives to make Washington County a better place by providing farmers with tools to manage their operations through changing economic conditions by determining the best crops to grow and increasing productivity on livestock operations. ANR programs also encourage sustainability by promoting local foods, pollinator protection, food safety, farm safety, succession planning, and soil health. Non-farm clientele benefit from ANR Extension through lawn and garden related programming, such as the Purdue Master Gardeners, as well as through individual consultations.
The Health and Human Sciences (HHS) Educator delivers educational programs in Washington County that are evidence and research based, to all community members. HHS Extension focuses on issues related to families and parenting through programs like Co-Parenting for Successful Kids. HHS Extension delivers health and wellness and food and nutrition programs to help with chronic diseases, like Dining with Diabetes and Be Heart Smart, as well as the newly established Walking Program. Through HHS you can also learn about food safety and home food preservation. Where Does Your Money Go helps those who struggle financially get back to basics by learning budgeting.
The focus of HHS Extension in Washington County is on families and parenting and building, or rebuilding relationships through programs like Strengthening Families Program 10-14, which is also a drug prevention program for families with children ages 10-14. HHS Extension in Washington County is actively working and partnering with many organizations in the community to help meet the many needs of this community, even the needs related to the substance abuse epidemic.
4-H began over 100 years ago, and has since grown into the largest youth development program in the nation. 4-H prepares young people to be leaders in their community and around the world through hands-on experiences alongside their peers and caring adults. Backed by a network of more than 6 million youth, 540,000 adult volunteers, 3,500 professionals, and more than 60 million alumni; 4-H delivers research-based programming around positive youth development. In Indiana, 4-H can be found in all 92 counties as delivered through Purdue Extension. Community clubs, afterschool programs, school enrichment, camps/workshops, and special programs are all ways youth across Indiana can be involved with the 4-H program.
The Nutrition Education Program offers nutrition and physical activity classes to youth and adults in hopes of having a healthier Washington county. The youth nutrition program is an interactive and fun way for kids to learn how to make healthier choices, take interest in cooking healthy food, and being active while having fun! The adult program is great for those who want to learn how to provide healthy food for their family on a budget. Discussions include money management, meal planning, and using our food dollars wisely. Classes can be taught at many public settings, such as schools, churches, agencies, apartment complexes and more.
Community Wellness Coordinators collaborate with community partners on creating community change. A community action team has been established and is helping implement policy, system and environmental changes focusing on food security, physical activity, nutrition, food safety and food resource management. This work can involve helping create healthy corner stores, increasing opportunities for active living, increasing bike rack availability, improving school wellness policies, increasing healthy food donations and more. The group is always looking for new initiatives to work on to create community change.