Based on the Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment, ensuring individuals and families have access to affordable nutritious food and strengthening/supporting the local food and agriculture industry are in the top 15 priorities in Nicholas County. Teaching residents to prepare their own foods using limited ingredients can help them become more self-sufficient, potentially reducing grocery costs and increasing food security, especially those on limited resources. Sourdough bread has gained popularity in recent years through social media and with the rise of grocery costs, as well as during the pandemic when many individuals were looking for new hobbies to take on. The Nicholas County Family and Consumer Sciences agent received numerous requests for a sourdough workshop. Three classes were offered to empower residents to cultivate a valuable skill, promote self-sufficiency, and foster a connection to culinary traditions all while learning safety precautions to take when working with sourdough.

Thirty-three participants attended one of the 3 events, many who were new to extension programs, gained hands-on experience with the sourdough bread-making process, including starter creation, and taste testing both active sourdough and discard sourdough recipes.  They also learned the health benefits of sourdough, measuring skills using a scale, and the science behind baking bread. In addition to the above, participants learned food safety skills when working with their starter, proper storage techniques, and the signs to look for that indicate a starter would not be safe to use. This newfound knowledge fostered a sense of accomplishment and allowed participants to bake delicious, healthy bread at home. Sourdough baking is a time-honored tradition with a rich history. The workshop reconnected participants to this heritage and allowed them to appreciate the artistry and patience involved in creating a quality loaf. The workshop fostered a sense of community by bringing people together to learn a shared skill. 

The target audience was all Nicholas County residents. Originally planned for a single event, the demand exploded through social media advertising and took it from one option to three different class offerings.

The workshop was evaluated by hands-on demonstration and 100% of the participants made their own dough and loaf of bread.   They emailed pictures of their finished loaves to the instructor. Participants shared their experiences and successes, creating a network of sourdough enthusiasts within Nicholas County. Reviewing evaluation forms, 100% of participants agreed that the subject matter was timely for them, the information was practical, and overall it was a very educational program. Comments were added to the evaluation by some participants stating, “Enjoyable time and very informative!”

The Family and Consumer Sciences Extension sourdough workshops offered a valuable learning experience that extends beyond just baking bread. It promoted self-sufficiency, cultural connection, and community engagement, all of which contribute to the well-being of Nicholas County residents.