Come Together and Can

NPR recently reported that Jarden Home Brands, which owns the popular Ball line of canning products, says it has already seen a 30 percent increase in sales of jars and lids this year, and the bulk of the harvest season is still months away. Canning is making a comeback, as Gen X, Y and the Boomers look for ways to save money, eat healthy and make use of all the bulk food available from locally grown community gardens and farmer’s markets. Trouble is, unlike their parents and grandparents, who relied on the technique to get them through the great depression and two world wars, many don’t know how to can. Canning incorrectly can lead to big trouble in the form of botulism. This is a perfect opportunity to rethink the seldom-used “Gourmet Kitchen” in your clubhouse and turn it into, (a least for a day) a “Food Preservation Center”.

Try offering a canning class in conjunction with the current harvest available at your local farmer’s market. Let’s say, in this case, it is strawberries. You can purchase enough strawberries for everyone in the class to receive one or two jars of jam while they learn the process. To find an individual skilled at canning that is willing to teach the technique, look to seniors in your community, area senior center or local college extension.

What an outstanding way for a variety of generations to come together, learn a useful new skill, show your appreciation for planet earth and provide variety in your resident activity offerings.