An In-Person Meeting of the Food Safety Extension Network: Supporting Consumer, Retail, and Home-Based Businesses

Numerous land-grant universities (LGU) have established food safety specialty areas within communities throughout the United States, but long-term sustainability and continuity of resources and progression of food safety Extension and research activities have been challenging due to attrition of expertise through retirement and limited resources. The Food Safety Extension Network (FSEN) exists so members can collaborate and share expertise efficiently, and to identify and develop resources to support Extension and research needs. The purpose of this paper is to review the highlights and impacts of the June 2024 FSEN meeting. A two-day in-person meeting was held at North Carolina State University, where 19 FSEN members representing 13 LGU participated in discussions around current highlights in home food preservation, cottage foods, and retail food safety, FSEN membership, marketing, and developing a memorandum of understanding. An anonymous survey was conducted after the meeting, and 78.9% (n=11) affirmed the meeting met their expectations. Specific comments focused on accomplishing the planned objectives, building momentum, and helpfulness of brainstorming sessions. The 2024 FSEN in-person meeting represents a critical step in strengthening a coordinated, multi-state approach to food safety education and outreach, to safeguard the nation’s food supply while supporting communities through relevant, research-based education.