Local clientele continue to express an increased interest in home food preservation. More families are discovering the benefits of home gardening and preserving their harvest. An important advantage of home food preservation is that it allows the ability to control ingredients such as salt and sugar, especially for those who are on restricted diets. 

University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension provides research-based home food preservation information through a standardized curriculum with supporting resources and hands-on experiences. Clientele receive information on canning, freezing and dehydration. Classroom instruction includes hands-on experiences with each type, as well as the latest in food preservation equipment technology. Families can also borrow pressure and water-bath canning equipment, food dehydrators, and jam and jelly makers from the Extension office.

Sessions throughout the year provide opportunities for clientele to try different types of food preservation and decide which method is the best fit for their families. Participants report they purchased equipment after the classes believing it was a good investment after becoming confident while using in the classroom setting. In addition, the Extension Office offers pressure canner testing for individuals who own equipment that has been used for home canning in the past. 

The Extension Office provides a growers guide to assist with locating specific produce in their local area. Some families report while they do not currently grow their own gardens, they support local growers through roadside stands and farmers markets and preserve fruits and vegetables purchased in bulk. Extension also provides free recipes from the 'Plate it up!--Kentucky Proud' series that incorporates local produce in delicious and nutritious recipes.