“Food preservation is the process of treating and handling food in such a way as to stop or greatly slow down spoilage and prevent foodborne illness while maintaining nutritional value, texture and flavor.” 

Several families rely heavily on preserved foods to feed their families throughout the year; however, not all as using safe methods in preserving said foods. To ensure safe measure are being taken through their processes Casey County Extension offered a two-day program educating community members on the safe and proper way to use a pressure canner, a hot water bath canner, a dehydrator, and how to properly freeze fruits and vegetables. 

A total of eleven participants attended the two-day program where they participated in hands-on activities learning to can green beans and tomatoes, learning how to make and can tomato salsa, how to dehydrate apple sauce (for fruit leather) and tomatoes, and how to properly blanch and freeze corn. Each participant was given the UK Food Preservation book with recipes and instructions as well as various equipment and tools to aid in their food preservation. One participant was gifted with a new pressure canner. 

Of the eleven of the participants six were unfamiliar with any food preservation practices. By the end of the program all six participants expressed increase in knowledge and skill with food preparation and preservation. Those who were more experienced learned new (and safe) techniques to be applied to their at-home practices. 

Due to the positive feedback through posting on social media, the program will be held again this coming summer. The program plans to be offered in the evening and/or weekend to reach a larger audience.