Accessing Nutritious Food in Knox County

Economic stressors on family budgets have resulted in an increase in home gardening and food preservation. To address food preservation safety issues, Knox County Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent implemented a Food Preservation Boot Camp. Twenty-six participants learned about and participated in proper food-preservation techniques utilizing canning, freezing, and drying. A survey was conducted to ensure food-safety practices were understood. All participants could identify the bacteria of concern in canning–clostridium botulinum. Seventy-five percent became more familiar with using a pressure canner, and 80 percent learned proper canning procedures. Safe, affordable food resources, such as home gardening and other food preservation information, were provided to help ease the stress on family food budgets.

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