WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) _ A series of meetings sponsored by the Indiana Department of Agriculture and Purdue Extension could help bring home-grown foods closer to consumers.

A series of meetings will study setting up regional food hubs to increase marketing of locally grown fruits, vegetables and related farm products.

Purdue Extension will host nine sessions through Sept. 9.

Purdue says food hubs enable the grower and consumer to connect more economically. The system for the collection, processing and distribution of local foods can consist of retail space, processing, community kitchens and warehousing.

The first meeting is Tuesday morning in New Albany. Other meetings will be held in Batesville, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Valparaiso, Columbus, Evansville, Lafayette and Muncie.