Pulaski County CES

Title:

Home-based Microprocessing/Farmers Market Food Safety

MAP:

Food Preservation

Agents Involved:

Lovett, Wilson

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Food Preservation

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Food Preservation

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Farmer's Markets

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Local Food Systems

Situation:

With an increased interest in home food preservation and concerns about illness from improperly preserved home foods, community members need the research based methods to ensure safe home preserved foods.

Farmers' market vendors have the opportunity to give their fresh produce more shelf-life by processing. HB 391 allows some processed products to be marketed through farmers' markets, Farm Bureau Certified Roadside Stands, and a producer's home produce stand.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Promote current research based methods of home food preservation.

Reduced rate of illness from improperly canned foods in the home.

Reduced rate of chronic disease and obesity through intake of nutrient dense foods and use of healthy cooking methods and food preservation techniques

Increased use of locally grown fruits and vegetables through home gardens and farmer's market.

Increased income to local farmers.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Implement research based food preservation methods and safe food handling and preparation for both high acid and low acid foods.

Controlled salt, sugar, and preservatives in home canned foods.

Increased intake of fruits and vegetables through access to locally grown fruits and vegetables at farmer's market.

Money saved by preserving harvest from personal gardens or from farmers markets.

Growers will come up with recipes, learn how to design their labels, and market their processed products.

Initial Outcomes:

Improved food preservation knowledge, skills and competencies.

Increased research based food preservation methods and safe food handling and preparation.

Identify and utilize the correct method of canning for low acid and high acid foods.

Increased awareness of additives in commercially canned foods and control over additives in home canned foods.

Increased fruit and vegetable consumption.

Educate growers about becoming a certified home-based processor or microprocessor.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Educate growers

Indicator:

Method: speak at winter farmers' market meetings

Timeline: mainly winter 2019-20

Intermediate Outcome:

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Method:

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Long-term Outcome: Increased income for farmers

Indicator:

Method: personal communication

Timeline: during market season

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Interested clients;

Project or Activity: Food Preservation curriculum from UK

Pressure Canning; Water Bath Canning; Freezing Food Process;

Content or Curriculum: Food Preservation Curriculum

Inputs: Extension; UK Specialist

Date: May, 2020-August, 2020

Audience: Farmers wanting to process fruits or vegetables

Project or Activity: Home-based Microprocessor training

Content or Curriculum: UK training

Inputs: UK personnel

Date:  winter 2019-20

Audience:

Project or Activity:

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