With rising food costs and growing interest in sustainable living, food preservation has made a comeback.   To meet this need, the Caldwell County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent hosted a hands-on Home Canning Bootcamp. 

Twenty participants gained hands-on skills in safely preserving fruits and vegetables—tools they can use at home to cut costs, reduce food waste, and build kitchen confidence.

• 100% reported increased knowledge about safe canning practices
• 100% felt confident using the boiling water bath method
• 95% felt confident using the pressure canning method
• 100% plan to use the water bath method at home

Food preservation isn’t just a skill.  It’s a conversation starter.  Since the workshop, participants have shared their experiences with friends and neighbors and encouraged safe canning methods. Many now stop the Family & Consumer Sciences agent in the community to share what they plan to try next. One participant stated, “I feel like I can successfully can with all the knowledge shared.”