As more families turned to gardening and bulk purchasing as ways to manage rising food costs and reduce dependence on commercial food systems, the need for reliable, research-based education on food preservation was being requested in Ohio County. In response to community interest in learning how to safely preserve homegrown and locally sourced foods, the Ohio County Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Extension Agent offered a food preservation class series to address knowledge gaps in safe canning and storage practices. Many residents in the area reported uncertainty about using pressure canners and a lack of confidence in preserving foods properly, which can lead to food waste or unsafe products. 

To address this need, a hands-on educational series covering water bath canning, pressure canning, freezing, and dehydrating was delivered to 16 adults from the community, including beginning home preservers, gardeners, and retirees seeking to revive traditional food skills. Participants learned proper preservation methods following research based guidelines, practiced using canning equipment, and engaged in food safety discussions. Post-program evaluations showed that 100% of participants increased their knowledge in at least one method of food preservation, and 87% reported they now feel confident using a pressure canner safely at home. One participant shared, “I’ve always been afraid of pressure canning, but now I feel completely comfortable using my canner. I’m already planning to preserve my green beans and tomatoes this summer instead of letting them go to waste.” As a result of this series, participants are now equipped to safely preserve food for their families, helping to reduce food waste, improve food security, and increase confidence in home food production.