University of Illinois Extension Hosts Food Preservation Workshops

Hands-on classes in April teach canning, pickling, and other preservation techniques

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:52pm

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph showing blurred shapes and colors of fresh fruits and vegetables, conceptually representing the focus on food preservation techniques.The University of Illinois Extension's food preservation workshops aim to empower local communities with practical skills for safely storing fresh produce.Ottawa Today

The University of Illinois Extension is offering a series of food preservation workshops in April, led by health and community wellness educator Susan Glassman. The workshops will cover the essentials of safely preserving fresh produce through canning, pickling, and other methods. Participants will have the opportunity to make their own refrigerator pickles on-site and take home resources and recipes.

Why it matters

As more people seek to reduce food waste and eat locally-sourced produce, these workshops provide an important educational opportunity for the community to learn valuable food preservation skills. The workshops aim to empower residents to safely store and enjoy the harvest throughout the year.

The details

The food preservation workshops will take place on April 14 in Sheffield and April 23 in Ottawa. Each session will run from 5:30 to 6:30 PM and cover topics like proper handling of fresh produce, safety protocols, and new preservation recipes. Participants will also get to make their own refrigerator pickles during the hands-on portion of the classes.

  • The Sheffield workshop is on April 14, 2026 from 5:30 to 6:30 PM.
  • The Ottawa workshop is on April 23, 2026 from 5:30 to 6:30 PM.

The players

Susan Glassman

A health and community wellness educator leading the food preservation workshops for the University of Illinois Extension.

University of Illinois Extension

A statewide organization that provides educational programs and resources to empower Illinois communities in areas like food safety and well-being.

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What they’re saying

“As more people seek to reduce food waste and eat locally-sourced produce, these workshops provide an important educational opportunity for the community to learn valuable food preservation skills.”

— Susan Glassman, Health and Community Wellness Educator

What’s next

Residents interested in attending the food preservation workshops must register in advance at the provided links for the Sheffield and Ottawa locations.

The takeaway

These hands-on food preservation workshops from the University of Illinois Extension empower local communities to safely store and enjoy fresh produce year-round, reducing food waste and promoting self-sufficiency.