The University of Illinois Extension Unit 18 has been working all summer long on their local foods initiative. The Christian County Extension Office will be offering several workshops on canning and freezing the local foods that Central Illinois residents purchase or grow to help preserve those foods.

U of I Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator Lisa Peterson shared information for potential students on the two classes while appearing as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

Peterson says whether you preserve your foods through canning or freezing comes down to several factors.

Although the classes are offered free of charge, the Extension Office does ask that should you decide to attend the class, to sign up for the classes on the Extension's website.