Many individuals in the Lake Cumberland area express interest in home food preservation but lack the knowledge and confidence to safely can food at home. Improper canning techniques can lead to food spoilage and serious health risks such as botulism. There is a need for hands-on education to help individuals learn the correct and safe practices for preserving food.

To address this need, Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Extension agents from across the Lake Cumberland area collaborated to host a three-day Food Preservation Camp. The camp provided formal instruction on canning basics, including food safety, equipment use, and proper preservation techniques. Each day, participants engaged in supervised, hands-on canning activities to reinforce what they learned in the classroom. Recipes were carefully selected to teach essential skills and safety guidelines.

Participants included adults from across the Lake Cumberland region, many of whom were beginners or had limited experience with home canning. The camp was attended by a focused group of fifteen participants to ensure personalized instruction and hands-on learning for each participant. We had participants ranging in age from middle school to older adults/seniors. Two participants attended the camp to receive course credit through their adult education program. 

As a result of attending the Food Preservation Camp, all participants demonstrated increased knowledge and confidence in home canning practices. Evaluation data showed that 100% of participants reported feeling more comfortable with the canning process. All participants successfully passed a canning quiz given at the end of the camp, indicating comprehension of safe food preservation practices. Additionally, three participants purchased new canners following the program, demonstrating a commitment to applying their new skills at home. This program not only increased individual knowledge but also contributed to safer and more sustainable food practices within the community.