Written by: John DeRousie, Custom Marketing Solutions
MEXICO, NY – Families looking to stretch their food dollars and enjoy their favorite fruits and vegetables year round can discover an easy way to do just that by attending a training session on canning. Offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County, the class will be held Aug. 24 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the CCE office, 3288 Main St.

Sponsored through a collaboration between the Rural Health Network of Oswego County, the Oswego County Health Department, and the Tobacco Free Network of Oswego County, the Learn How to Can class, to be facilitated by Kerrie Pratt and Jan Smith with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County, will show participants the basics of canning and how to can jams, jellies, low-acid and high-acid foods and pickling.

“As food prices continue to rise, the art of canning is becoming more popular. We have talked with many families who would like to begin canning but do not have the skills and don’t know where to turn to acquire them,” said coordinator of the Rural Health Network, Danielle Wert. “We are happy to be able to provide community members with this opportunity. Established as part of the Eat Smart NY initiative, the Learn How to Can class provides participants with all they need to know to begin canning.”

As part of the event, Wert and Abby Jenkins, program coordinator for the Tobacco Free Network of Oswego County, will be at the caning class to demonstrate their new state-of-art progression software that displays the physical affects of tobacco use over time.

“The Rural Health Network and our partners are dedicated to improving the health of our communities. One of our initiatives is to raise awareness of the effects that tobacco use can have on an individual.  Being able to show someone how his or her appearance changes as a result of tobacco use can be very powerful,” said Wert.

She added that the software also has the capability to display the effects of obesity and sun exposure.

Participants in the canning class need not bring any equipment as canners and jars will be provided. They will also be able to take home a jar of the finished products that they can. There is $10 fee for participants and includes a canning booklet and all supplies used during the class. Participation in the Learn How To Can class is limited to 12 participants. Those interested must register by contacting Wert at 315-342-0888 ext. 1457 or via e-mail at dwert@oco.org, no later than Aug. 19.