We help people make healthy food choices, manage their weight, preserve food, and handle food safely. UT Extension’s Department of Family and Consumer Sciences delivers research-based education across Tennessee to help families choose and prepare foods that lead to healthy eating patterns.
Upcoming Classes:
If you are interested in some Food Preservation Workshops & Demonstrations, check out our upcoming classes below!
Join us for the Canning Expo, a hands-on, skill-building event designed to help you preserve food safely and confidently before garden season begins! This interactive expo features live demonstrations, educational booths, and free pressure canner lid testing so participants can ensure their equipment is safe and ready for use.
Whether you’re new to canning or want to refresh your skills, you’ll learn the essentials of water-bath and pressure canning, safe preservation practices, and the latest UT Extension recommendations. Attendees can explore equipment, ask questions, and take home helpful resources to continue practicing at home.
The expo will also guide you on preparing and entering your canned goods for judging in the Sevier County Fair Food Preservation categories.
Come enjoy a day of learning, community, and hands-on fun — and leave ready to fill your pantry with safe, delicious homemade goods!
Use the button below to register for FREE and receive your ticket to guarantee a spot in the demonstrations.
Ready to go back to school? Don’t worry, this one won’t be as jarring.
If you are interested in learning more about canning, come to your local library for an interactive program to help prepare you for the summer canning season. This program is a 3-day program covering pressure and water-bath canning.
Program Details:
Join us for Canning College, a fun and educational 3-part hands-on series designed for both beginners and seasoned canners! Learn the essentials of jams and jellies, pickles, water-bath canning, and pressure canning in a friendly, supportive environment.
Class Schedule:
Day 1: Boiling Point – Tomatoes & Water-Bath Canning
Day 2: Under Pressure – Green Beans & Pressure Canning
Day 3: Jams & Pickles, Oh My! – Jam & Pickle Making, Steam Canning
Cost: $100 per person
Each day will be from 5:30 pm to 8 pm at the Katom Chef Supply Store in Kodak, TN
The Class Includes all materials, canning book, instructions, and at least one home-canned item to take home.
Limited spots available (5–7 participants) – Register early to secure your place!
Use the button below to pay online and receive your ticket to guarantee your spot.
Preserve It & Serve It is a hands-on program designed to help participants explore a variety of food preservation methods beyond traditional canning. From freezing and dehydrating to freeze-drying, this workshop teaches safe, practical techniques to extend the life of your favorite foods while maintaining quality and flavor.
Participants will also learn how to prepare and submit their preserved foods for judging at the Sevier County Fair in both the adult and youth divisions. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to level up your skills, this program will give you the knowledge and confidence to preserve foods at home — and maybe even take home a ribbon!
Join us to preserve, prepare, and proudly serve your creations.
Limited spots available (10 participants) – Register early to secure your place!
This class is $25 to 50 per person, which includes gardening tips, food to take home, and resources.
Use the button below to pay online and receive your ticket to guarantee your spot.
Get ready to pucker up and have some fun! Our Pickle Party Workshop is a hands-on, flavor-packed class where participants learn the basics of pickling while creating their own delicious jar to take home.
We’ll explore different brines, spices, and quick-pickling techniques perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. From crunchy cucumbers to creative veggie combos, everyone will leave with new skills and a tasty treat.
This workshop is all about learning, laughing, and celebrating the art of pickling — one jar at a time!
Limited spots available (15 participants) – Register early to secure your place!
This class is $25 per person, which includes a jar of pickles, recipes, and canning resources.
Use the button below to pay online and receive your ticket to guarantee your spot.
Join us for a festive and flavorful holiday workshop where we whip up homemade Christmas Jam and bake warm, buttery biscuits from scratch! In this cheerful hands-on class, participants will learn simple, foolproof techniques for making a bright, fruity holiday jam along with classic biscuits that pair perfectly.
This cozy kitchen experience is filled with holiday aromas, seasonal fun, and plenty of tasting along the way. Everyone will take home their own jar of Christmas Jam — and the confidence to recreate it for holiday gifts or family gatherings.
Come ready to cook, laugh, and jingle up something delicious!
Limited spots available (15 participants) – Register early to secure your place!
This class is $25 per person, which includes a jar of jam, biscuits, recipes, and canning resources.
Use the button below to pay online and receive your ticket to guarantee your spot.
Getting Ready for Canning Season??
Through UT Extension, our FCS Agents offer FREE Pressure Canner Lid Testing for Dial Gauges
If you are interested in getting your dial gauge checked, contact the office at 865-453-3695 to schedule an appointment with the FCS Agent, Kaysie Adkins
Why Getting Your Lid Tested Is Important?
Dial gauges need to be periodically checked for accuracy. Once before the canning season is ideal; if the dial is dropped or mishandled, it should be checked before using again. If the dial gauge is inaccurate, it will impact the safety of the food being processed.
Weighted gauges do not need to be checked as long as they are still jiggling and rocking according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
All canner rubber gaskets should be inspected periodically to be sure they are still flexible and not stiff or dry.
More information on pressure canner lids is on the National Center of Home Food Preservation website.
Food Preservation Publications & Resources
Pictures from Previous Workshops:
Fill out this form to ask the FCS Agent for more information about Food Preservation!
Family and Consumer Sciences