CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — Penn State Extension Senior Educator Lynn James is pleased to announce Judy Mountain and Zina Long have recently completed extensive training and passed an exam with Penn State Extension to become Master Home Food Preservation Volunteers. States Judy, “I have home canned for over 60 years. Both my grandma and mother canned according to Penn State Extension guidelines. I enjoy sharing my love of growing and preserving food for my family and friends.” Both Judy and Zina are committed to helping people learn how to preserve food safely.
Pressure canner testing dates
As part of their volunteer work, Judy and Zina will be checking and testing home canners and dial gauges at the Penn State Extension Franklin county office, 181 Franklin Farm Lane, Chambersburg PA. Pressure canners with dial gauges can be dropped off for testing from June 14-21, for testing the week of June 21-25. There is no charge for the testing service. All low-acid foods, including all vegetables (except pickled, sauerkraut or acidified tomatoes), meats, and poultry, for example, need to be pressure canned to avoid foodborne illness. Pressure gauges need to be tested annually to assure accuracy.
Judy and Zina can also answer home canning questions and will offer future area exhibits and demonstrations. Contact Penn State Extension Franklin County at 717-263-9226 or email FranklinExt@psu.edu for more information or Lynn James, MS, RDN, LDN at Ljames@psu.edu.
—Penn State Extension