The University of Idaho Extension launched its Virtual Food Safety program during the COVID-19 pandemic. With many people stuck at home, interest in gardening shot up. Folks in a Treasure Valley online gardening class wanted to know: how can we safely preserve the food we grow?
To help answer this, educator Nic Usabel teamed up with Surine Greenway from Owyhee County. They created a workshop, “Plan the Garden, Preserve the Harvest,” in January 2021. It was a hit! This success led them to invite Amy Robertson from Boundary County to join in and share insights on dehydration and boiling-water canning.
Their webinars grew quickly. In the beginning, they attracted between 100 and 300 participants. Now, they host monthly programs that keep returning each year. As of January 2026, the Virtual Food Safety program has entered its sixth season.
“It was a snowball effect,” Greenway said. “It was timely and accessible.” Webinars are scheduled during lunch breaks to accommodate working adults, each lasting 60 to 90 minutes and featuring both demonstrations and lectures. Even though interest has dipped from the initial pandemic surge, attendance remains solid, with participants from across Idaho and beyond, including Canada. Sessions are also recorded for those who can’t tune in live.
Topics like freeze drying and fermentation have become crowd favorites. Shawna Hobson, the Extension office manager for Nez Perce County and a graduate of the Master Food Safety Advisor Program, leads the fermentation sessions. For those in northern Idaho, Jennifer Jensen hosts a specific webinar tailored to local growing conditions.
Food preservation is not just a post-pandemic fad. According to a recent survey by the National Gardening Association, over 45% of American households engaged in gardening during 2022. This shift shows a growing awareness of food security and sustainability.
Social media has also buzzed with trends around food preservation. Hashtags like #HomeCanning and #Fermentation have gained popularity, connecting enthusiasts eager to share their experiences and tips.
For more details on upcoming webinars, you can register here. This program continues to empower people to make the most of their gardens while prioritizing safe food practices.
