Education at community food distributions
Making the most of available food helps families stretch their resources and reduce waste. Strengthening Food Systems for a Resilient Future brings practical food safety and preservation education to adults and families receiving food assistance in San Luis Obispo County. Through collaboration with UC Master Food Preservers and the Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo County, trained volunteers will provide demonstrations, seasonal recipes, and take-home resources at food distribution sites. Education will connect directly to the foods participants receive, helping them put new skills into practice at home.
Our Goal
Build participants’ knowledge and skills to safely handle, store, and preserve food, supporting household food security, access to culturally appropriate foods, and reduced food waste.
What You’ll Learn
- Food safety: Handle food safely, wash produce, and prevent contamination.
- Food storage: Store fresh produce and pantry staples to maintain quality and reduce spoilage.
- Food preservation: Explore research-based freezing, drying, and canning practices for seasonal foods.
- Emergency preparedness: Learn how to protect refrigerated and frozen foods during power outages and disasters.
Participants will receive seasonal recipes and practical resources to support continued learning at home. Materials are available in English and Spanish, with links to listen to Mixtec audio translations.
Who Is It For?
The project is developed to support all adults and families who receive food assistance through Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo County distribution sites. Outreach prioritizes communities experiencing food insecurity and limited access to culturally appropriate fresh produce, including low-income households and farmworker families.
Learn More
Interested in learning about food preservation education at food distributions or exploring a partnership? Contact Isabella Fahselt at Ihfahselt@ucanr.edu.
Funding
This effort is supported by the UC Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program.