Looking to get the most from your harvest? West Virginia University Extension Service’s experts will offer information on food preservation and canning in person and online at an “Ask the WVU Extension Expert” Q&A session on Wednesday, Aug. 13, during the State Fair of West Virginia.

On Aug. 13, from noon until 1 p.m., “Ask the WVU Extension Service” will take place online through WVU Extension’s Facebook page (facebook.com/WVUExtension) and in-person at the WVU Building at the State Fair.

“Canning is a great way to save fresh, healthy foods from your garden or farmers market for use anytime,” remarked Cindy Fitch, WVU Extension Service Families and Health program director. “Our WVU Extension Service experts can help West Virginians find the answers they need to get the most out of their harvest or farmers market purchases year round.”

The late-summer debut session calls upon three of WVU Extension Service’s Families and Health experts to answer questions about all things related to canning and food preservation techniques, safety and nutrition.

Now is the perfect time to start canning. Visitors to the WVU Building at the fair and participants through social media can get information, tips and advice from University backed research during the live Q&A session.

Andi Bennett, WVU Extension Service Mercer County Families and Health agent, is no stranger to canning best practices. Bennett has been educating West Virginians for years at her local farmers market in Mercer County. She can answer questions about proper canning techniques, food safety and much more.

WVU Extension Service Barbour and Randolph County Families and Health Agent Hannah Fincham brings the knowledge and expertise she uses as a dual county agent to the WVU Building at the fair and online to help participants preserve foods in a safe way.

Gina Taylor, WVU Extension Service Jackson County Families and Health agent, will also be available to take questions about canning and food preservation, nutrition information in regard to canning and more.

During the live Q&A on Wednesday, Aug. 27, the “Back to School” session will cover everything from pre-K to college-bound advice for parents and students alike. Topics include handling stress and anxiety and preparing healthy meals.

Sessions will continue in September and periodically throughout the fall to cover topics such as fall gardening, WVU Extension’s Community Leadership Academy and diabetes health and nutrition, and more.

For more information about the WVU Extension Service, visit http://ext.wvu.edu. “Like” WVU Extension Service on Facebook by visiting http://facebook.com/WVUExtension, or follow @WVUExtension on Twitter.

-WVU-

bg/8/7/14

CONTACT: Cassie Waugh Thomas, WVU Extension Service
304.293.8735, Cassie.Waugh@mail.wvu.edu

Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.