By Scout Nelson
North Dakota State University Extension (NDSU) has partnered with Cankdeska Cikana Community College (CCCC) to offer a free online course titled Food Preservation 101. This educational program teaches safe food preservation methods, including freezing, water-bath canning, pressure canning, drying, and fermenting.
“This course is the next piece of the CCCC Land Grant Extension’s overall goal of enhancing food sovereignty and security for residents on the Spirit Lake Reservation,” stated Jessica Fish, CCCC land grant director. “But knowing how to preserve food is universally helpful.” This course aims to equip individuals with essential skills that are valuable in any community.
Food Preservation 101 is designed to complement CCCC’s existing programs, which include a community garden, seed and seedling distribution, garden tilling, the Spirit Lake Mobile Farmers Market, and various cooking classes.
Participants will benefit from a self-paced format that includes pre-recorded lessons, activities, and a range of resources. The curriculum provides guidance on preserving various foods safely, such as salsa, jelly, sauerkraut, meats, and vegetables.
The online course will be available starting October 22, with completion expected by early 2025. Participants who complete the modules will receive certificates and have opportunities to enter prize drawings.
In addition to the online course, CCCC will host weekly hands-on food preservation workshops as seasonal fruits and vegetables become available.
“We are pleased to partner with Cankdeska Cikana Community College. We especially enjoyed offering an in-person workshop at the college with community members. We made a lot of salsa and apple butter from home-grown produce,” said Julie Garden-Robinson, food and nutrition specialist and project director for the NDSU Extension portion of the grant.
“The narrated online modules can be accessed by anyone who wants to learn more about preserving food safely. There is no cost for the program,” Garden-Robinson added.
To register for Food Preservation 101, interested individuals can visit ndsu.ag/fp101. Upon registration, participants will receive instructions to access the course materials.
This initiative is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety Outreach Program, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing food preservation knowledge and practices in the community.
Photo Credit:usda
Categories: North Dakota, Education, General