With grocery costs on the rise, people are exploring options like growing and preserving their own produce. Residents of McDuffie County and surrounding areas have easy access to one of about 30 remaining community canning plants in the state of Georgia to help them accomplish that task.
Thomson High School’s cannery, located just down the street from the school at 802 White Oak Road, is open on select days this summer from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. to shell, blanch and can produce. Costs include $0.75 per quart-sized can and $0.20 per pound for shelling.
Agriculture Teacher Rick DuBose said the cannery does not make a profit but instead charges enough to simply cover the cost of the cans and plant operation. It is offered as a community service, as well as an opportunity for students to learn the process of food preservation first hand.
Common items to have canned include tomatoes, peas, beans, apples, peaches and pears. The cannery is also able to handle other items, such as juices, salsa, applesauce, pie fillings, and spaghetti sauces or soups that don’t include meat.
The remaining dates for cannery operations are as follows:
- June 15-17
- June 27-28
- July 1
- July 6-7
- July 18-22
To schedule a drop off, or for more information, contact Rick DuBose at 706-986-4297 or duboser{at}mcduffie.k12.ga.us.