Grow Youngstown to offer canning classes

Grow Youngstown, YWCA of Warren, and Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership are offering an opportunity to learn how to preserve the fruits of summer.

The first of two classes is set for 5 to 6:30 p.m. July 11 in the kitchen at Warren YWCA, 475 N. Park Ave. Renee Mauk of “Can-Tastic!” will demonstrate the water bath method of canning, and each registered recipient will take home a sample jar of in-season berry jam.

The second class is set for 5 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 22 in the Warren YWCA kitchen. For this class Mauk will demonstrate pressure canning. Each registered participant will receive a jar of tomato-based salsa blend.

Space is limited to 15 participants per class. The cost is $10 in advance or $15 the day of instruction. To reserve a spot send $10 to: Grow Youngstown, P.O. Box 1191, Youngstown, OH 44501, call 330-286-0688, or sign up at the Warren YWCA.

The classes are an extension of Grow Youngstown’s educational program. The incentive of the program is to help residents benefit from healthy alternative ways of food preservation using no additives or preservatives.

Grow Youngstown will provide all locally produced foods for the classes through its Community Supported Agriculture program, which helps to financially support local farmers.

Grow Youngstown is now in its fifth year and is the Mahoning Valley’s largest community-supported agriculture program. It is part of the rapidly growing national movement toward locally produced foods and healthy farming practices.

To learn more visit www.growyoungstown.org or call 330-286-0688. Sponsors for low-income family shares also are needed.