Author: Megan Treadway
Planning Unit: KSU Administration
Major Program: Food Preparation and Preservation
Plan of Work: Unrelated to a specified County Plan of Work
Outcome: Initial Outcome
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!”
According to the Governors Office of Early Childhood, only 44.1% of Kentucky children and 43.5% of L... Read More
Food prices have seen a rapid increase in recent years. Grocery prices rose 11.4 percent from Januar... Read More
The latest US Census numbers show the number of farmers over the age of 65 is outpacing younger farm... Read More
The problemLeadership skills are crucial for middle school kids as they navigate through a pivotal s... Read More
The problemAccording to the United States Census Bureau there are 17,333 households in Floyd County,... Read More
Research shows that people who prepare and cook meals at home are more likely to eat the recommended... Read More