Many community members in Livingston County expressed interest in learning how to safely preserve food at home, especially amid rising grocery costs and increased gardening efforts. However, most lacked formal training in safe food preservation practices. Without proper knowledge of pressure and water bath canning, individuals risked food spoilage and potential safety hazards. There was a clear need for local, accessible education on food preservation techniques based on research and safety standards.

To meet this need, the Livingston County Extension Office hosted two free hands-on canning workshops in June 2025. A Pressure Canning session was held on Monday, June 23rd, and a Boiling Water Canning session on Wednesday, June 26th, both offered at 10:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. to accommodate different schedules. Participants learned proper techniques, safety guidelines, equipment identification, and how to match canning methods to food types. The program followed USDA-recommended practices and was part of Cooperative Extension’s commitment to community health and education.

A total of 8 participants attended the workshops — 3 for Pressure Canning and 5 for Water Bath Canning. Participants included new home gardeners, first-time preservers, and those seeking to brush up on their skills. Many were motivated by goals to reduce food waste, extend the shelf life of their garden harvests, save money, and pass knowledge on to others in their families and communities.
 Program evaluations showed strong outcomes in knowledge gain and confidence building:

• 100% of participants reported improved understanding of the correct canning method for high-acid and low-acid foods.
• All participants stated they could now identify safe, research-based food preservation practices.
• 100% increased their confidence in using pressure and water bath canning equipment appropriately.
• Participants were able to correctly identify spoilage signs, safe jar preparation steps, and essential equipment for each method.

Through these small-group workshops, participants gained practical, lifelong skills that will benefit their households and support local food resilience. The sessions also helped revive and reinforce traditional skills that promote health, sustainability, and food security.