Master Food Preserver volunteers have resumed delivery of food preservation workshops to teach individuals to safely home can foods using tested recipes and practicing research-based techniques. Several participants expressed that food security and emergency preparation motivated them to register.

Topics ranged from the basics (water bath canning, pressure canning, fermentation, and dehydration) to sausage making. Over 60 participants attended the workshops. Evaluations revealed gains in knowledge, skills, and confidence. Many participants went on to preserve produce that they grew in their home gardens or bought from local farmers. Volunteers were happy to resume teaching and share their expertise and experience with the public, contributing over 100 hours of time.

Check the Extension website at extension.oregon state.edu/food/preservation for information about 2023 workshops.