There are many reasons that people can—to preserve the foods harvested from home gardens or bought at the farmer’s market or store; to save money in the months when crops are not growing; to uphold family traditions; to consume more health-conscious canned foods; or to experience the joy and satisfaction that comes from home food preservation.

The Woodford County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences taught six food preservation classes, all using the boiling water bath canner. Out of the participants that attended, ten filled out the post-program survey.

Agent demonstrating how to lift jars out of the boiling water bath canner.Agent describing how the canning process works in a boiling water bath canner.Our youngest canner taste tests the product.

All participants said they had little to no experience in canning and would return for another class.

80% of participants came for the educational component of home canning. 20% came for the social outlet provided.

80% could identify both types of canners; 20% could identify one.

100% could identify a potential danger in home canning.

80% were getting their canning information from a reliable source before the program; 100% now know where to find reliable information on home food preservation.

100% gained knowledge/skills on the topic presented.

100% will use what they learned at home.

Though no follow up evaluation has been done, all participants have shared that they have already begun to enjoy the jams, jellies, pickles or salsa they canned. Over half of the participants have practiced the food preservation techniques they learned at home.

Canned PicklesCanned Peach Jam