North Dakota State University Extension and Cankdeska Cikana Community College have joined forces to offer a remarkable free online course dedicated to home food preservation. This educational endeavor aims to empower individuals with safe and effective methods for preserving a wide variety of foods, from salsa and jelly to sauerkraut, meats, and vegetables. (iStock photo)20240523_104257

Enhancing Food Sovereignty and Security

As Jessica Fish, the land grant director at CCCC, emphasizes, "This course is the next crucial step in our overall goal of enhancing food sovereignty and security for the residents on the Spirit Lake Reservation." The significance of knowing how to preserve food extends far beyond the reservation, proving to be universally beneficial.The curriculum of Food Preservation 101 is comprehensive, covering various preservation techniques such as freezing, water-bath canning, pressure canning, drying, and fermenting. These pre-recorded lessons, activities, and a wealth of resources provide participants with a self-paced learning experience.Participants have the opportunity to embark on this educational journey starting from February 1 and complete the modules by May. Completing the modules not only earns them certificates but also gives them a chance to participate in prize draw opportunities.

Connecting with Other Community Programs

Food Preservation 101 seamlessly integrates with CCCC's other initiatives. The community garden, seed and seedling distribution, garden tilling, cooking classes, and the Spirit Lake Mobile Farmers Market all work together to create a holistic approach to food-related activities. This connection allows participants to gain a deeper understanding of the entire food preservation ecosystem.Julie Garden-Robinson, the Extension food and nutrition specialist and project director for the NDSU Extension portion of the grant, highlights the importance of this time. "Winter months are an ideal time to acquire new knowledge and prepare for the upcoming spring and summer seasons of growing and preserving food. These online modules offer the convenience of learning from the comfort of one's own home."

Free and Accessible Learning

The best part? The program is completely free. Anyone with an interest in learning more about food preservation can access the narrated online modules. However, it is important to note that internet access is required to fully engage with the course.Registration for the course opens on January 1 at ndsu.ag/fp101. Once registered, participants will receive detailed enrollment instructions to begin their food preservation learning adventure. This program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety Outreach Program, ensuring its quality and credibility.In conclusion, Food Preservation 101 provides a unique opportunity for individuals to acquire essential skills in home food preservation. By combining comprehensive curriculum, self-paced learning, and community connections, this course is set to make a significant impact on food security and sovereignty.