Free class in Woodland on preservig food from local gardens. Image by jf-gabnor from Pixabay

WOODLAND, CA (MPG) - To celebrate Farm to Fork Month this September, the Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency’s (HHSA) Hanna and Herbert Bauer Memorial Community Garden and CalFresh Healthy Living programs are hosting a free class in Woodland on preserving food from local gardens.

Yolo County gardeners of all experience levels are invited to learn from UCCE Master Food Preservers of Yolo and Solano Counties on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. No gardening experience is necessary, and all are welcome to attend.

The Sacramento region is renowned as the Farm to Fork capital of the world, and this class offers Yolo County residents an opportunity to enhance their ability to consume fresh, local produce by gaining skills and knowledge that make home gardening and food preserving both fun and easy. The class will cover fruit and vegetable canning, and drying, and will include a hands-on “make and take” activity where participants can create and take home an edible, handcrafted treat.

“Enhancing access to fresh fruits and vegetables and providing education on their preparation and preservation reflects HHSA’s dedication to supporting community well-being,” said Brian Vaughn, Health and Human Services Agency Public Health Branch Director. “Our region, rich in agricultural resources, benefits greatly from our community garden program and our collaboration with the Master Gardeners of Yolo County. Through classes like these, HHSA intends to help everyone enjoy the abundance of seasonal produce throughout the year.”

These classes are entirely free and part of the Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency's commitment to offering education that empowers residents to incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into their diets, promoting healthier living. Pre-registration is required for attendance. To register, please contact Nick Gazda at [email protected] or call (530) 666-8429. Please, be sure to register by Sept. 27. The garden is located at 137 N. Cottonwood Street in Woodland, behind the Health and Human Services Agency Bauer Building. Participants are encouraged to dress for warm weather and bring water. In the event of extreme heat or poor air quality, the class will be moved indoors.

Free classes are offered throughout the year at the Hanna and Herbert Bauer Memorial Garden. To learn more about garden activities and classes, please visit: www.YoloCounty.gov/Garden.