Empowering Local Agriculture and Can-do Mainers through Food Preservation

Rising food costs have motivated more Mainers to start gardening and consider food preservation, but they need current information on methods like as pressure canning for low-acid foods and water-bath canning for high-acid foods, to prevent risks like botulism. In 2024, 57 Master Food Preserver volunteers completed over 489 hours of food preservation education, community projects, and administrative tasks. They taught preserving workshops through adult education, farms, and community centers; staffed educational displays; and demonstrated at farmers’ markets, harvest festivals, agricultural fairs, and local food events. They also judged canned goods at agricultural fairs. These volunteer efforts reached just over 2,750 people in nine Maine counties.

The Home Preservation program empowers individuals with valuable skills, strengthens community bonds, and supports local agriculture while fostering a culture of sharing knowledge and resources through community events. Positive feedback from participants highlights the program’s effectiveness in boosting confidence and competence in food preservation, leading to greater self-sufficiency and community resilience.