Food prices have seen a rapid increase in recent years. Grocery prices rose 11.4 percent from January 2022 to January 2023 and continued, albeit slower, price growth is predicted (USDA ERS, 2023). For this reason, there continues to be a growing interest in reducing waste and preserving food at home.

The Area Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences partnered with FCS agents in Warren, Hart, and Simpson counties to provide food preservation workshops focused on freezing and dehydrating basics. Additionally, the Area Agent partnered with 4-H agents in Simpson and Edmonson counties to provide youth workshops focused solely on freezing basics.

A total of 20 adults and 18 youth participated in the hands-on workshops, freezing 81 pints, and dehydrating 18 pints of fruit. After attending the workshops, 92% of participants reported improved knowledge of food preservation through freezing and/or dehydrating.

Participants said:

“I like to buy a big box of seconds at the apple orchard…this is a great way to use them so that none go to waste.”

“I plan to make and freeze apple pie filling in the fall to get a jumpstart on holiday baking.”

“I have a dehydrator, but I’ve never used it. I will now. I didn’t know it could be this easy!”