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 Programs!
If you are interested in some Food Preservation Workshops & Demonstrations, check out our upcoming classes below!
Mark your calendars!
We are going to partner with neighboring counties for a Canning Expo at Katom Chef Supply Store in Kodak, TN. Join us to see canning exhibits, listen to engaging speakers, get your pressure canner tested, and look for supplies for the upcoming year.
This program encourages people to learn more about other forms of food preservation, such as freezing, drying, or freeze-drying. It will also help others learn how to enter their items to be judged at the Sevier County Fair in the Food Preservation adult and youth division.
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 (August 18th): Boiling Point – Tomatoes & Water-Bath Canning
Day 2 (August 19th): Under Pressure – Green Beans & Pressure Canning
Day 3 (August 20th): Jams & Pickles, Oh My! – Jam & Pickle Making, Steam Canning
Cost: $75 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!
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