According to PLOS One, a peer-reviewed science publication, nearly one pound of food per person is wasted each day in America. Of the 22 food groups studied, fruits and vegetables contributed to the most food wasted. As we know, food waste comes at a cost our environment, and our pocket books. The study concluded that one approach to minimizing food waste is to educate consumers about how best to prepare and store fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as a complimentary approach to encourage the use of alternative fruits and vegetables, such as frozen and dried.

Considering these statistics, as well as client demand for more advanced food preservation workshops, the Kenton and Boone County Family and Consumer Sciences Agents developed a “hands on” class, “Freezing and Drying Foods”. The two FCS Agents discussed, demonstrated, and led clients in activities where participants successfully prepared their food for drying and freezing at home. Participants also viewed previously dried foods, and discussed its characteristics, as well as potential problems.

Classes were promoted in local publications reaching all households in Boone and Kenton Counties, and targeted adults wanting to learn or update these preservation skills. Some of the produce utilized was donated by local farmers. The Kenton County FCS agent focused on food dehydration, discussing the science and steps behind successful preservation. 25 adults attended one of the two workshops – held in both counties.

As a result of the workshop, 81% reported learning what to consider when purchasing a food dehydrator, 93% learned the correct way to handle and store home dried foods, and 100% learned the importance of properly dehydrating jerky, and the importance of properly preparing foods before drying-such as blanching and checking.

A follow-up evaluation was sent to participants 6 months after the workshop.  Results since the program included:
             -83% have dried foods
           -50% were using the foods they had dehydrated
             -33% utilized a dehydrator that they already owned
-33% determined that dehydrating was too time consuming or costly. This statistic is equally as important, as helping consumers learn they do not wish to start this process saves them time and money.