Class is Saturday, September 19, 2026  11:00am - 2:00pm - Council Bluffs Campus Student Center Room 152
Fall harvests bring a different set of flavors and preservation opportunities. In this hands-on
class, you’ll work with fall crops such as root vegetables, apples, and hardy greens to learn
practical preservation techniques. We’ll focus on methods like water bath canning, pickling, and
simple storage strategies that help extend shelf life and reduce waste. You’ll gain direct
experience preparing and preserving seasonal produce, along with guidance on adapting these
methods at home. Participants will leave with preserved items and the confidence to make the
most of their fall harvest.
**PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BRING AN APRON**

Class is Saturday, October 3, 2026  8:30am - 11:30am - Council Bluffs Campus Student Center Room 152
As the season comes to a close, preserving your final harvest becomes essential. This hands-on class focuses on handling larger quantities of late-season produce such as squash, root crops, apples, and storage vegetables. You’ll practice preservation techniques including
water bath canning, batch processing, and proper storage methods for long-term use. Emphasis will be placed on efficiency, safety, and maximizing shelf life. Participants will leave with preserved goods, practical skills, and a clear understanding of how to carry their harvest into the winter months.
**PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BRING AN APRON**

Class is Saturday, August 8, 2026  8:30am - 11:30am - Council Bluffs Campus Student Center Room 152
When the garden is in full production, preservation becomes essential. This hands-on class focuses on managing and preserving larger volumes of produce at peak ripeness. You’ll learn and practice techniques such as water bath canning, basic sauce preparation, and batch preservation methods suited for tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, peppers, and fruits. We’ll emphasize efficiency, safety, and flavor—helping you turn abundance into long-term food security. Participants will leave with preserved goods, tested recipes, and the confidence to handle even the heaviest harvest weeks.
**Participants should bring: 3–4 pint or quart jars with lids and rings, dish towel, apron**

Saturday, March 20th, 2027 - 8:00 am - 3:00 pm - Kitchen Council 1001 S 6th St  Council Bluffs
Please register at least two weeks prior to the scheduled date. On that day, you'll attend a 4-hour review and Q&A session with the instructor, followed by the 2-hour certification exam. A ServSafe study guide will be mailed to your address on file upon registration. This is an independent study - ServSafe Manager course—students are expected to study the materials on their own in advance. The testing day includes a brief Q&A session and ends with the national certification exam. The course provides essential food safety knowledge for food handlers, covering topics such as foodborne illness, contamination, receiving and storing food, preparation, service, hygiene, sanitation, pest control, and inspections. It is ideal for those in restaurants, long-term care, assisted living, schools, food trucks, and small food businesses.

Saturday, January 30th, 2027 - 8:00 am - 3:00 pm - Kitchen Council  1001 S 6th St  Council Bluffs
Please register at least two weeks prior to the scheduled date. On that day, you'll attend a 4-hour review and Q&A session with the instructor, followed by the 2-hour certification exam. A ServSafe study guide will be mailed to your address on file upon registration. This is an independent study - ServSafe Manager course—students are expected to study the materials on their own in advance. The testing day includes a brief Q&A session and ends with the national certification exam. The course provides essential food safety knowledge for food handlers, covering topics such as foodborne illness, contamination, receiving and storing food, preparation, service, hygiene, sanitation, pest control, and inspections. It is ideal for those in restaurants, long-term care, assisted living, schools, food trucks, and small food businesses.

Saturday, June 19th, 2027 - 8:00 am - 3:00 pm - Kitchen Council  1001 S 6th Street  Council Bluffs
Please register at least two weeks prior to the scheduled date. On that day, you'll attend a 4-hour review and Q&A session with the instructor, followed by the 2-hour certification exam. A ServSafe study guide will be mailed to your address on file upon registration. This is an independent study - ServSafe Manager course—students are expected to study the materials on their own in advance. The testing day includes a brief Q&A session and ends with the national certification exam. The course provides essential food safety knowledge for food handlers, covering topics such as foodborne illness, contamination, receiving and storing food, preparation, service, hygiene, sanitation, pest control, and inspections. It is ideal for those in restaurants, long-term care, assisted living, schools, food trucks, and small food businesses.

Saturday, December 12th, 2026 - 8:00 am - 3:00 pm -  Kitchen Council 1001 S 6th St Council Bluffs
Please register at least two weeks prior to the scheduled date. On that day, you'll attend a 4-hour review and Q&A session with the instructor, followed by the 2-hour certification exam. A ServSafe study guide will be mailed to your address on file upon registration. This is an independent study - ServSafe Manager course—students are expected to study the materials on their own in advance. The testing day includes a brief Q&A session and ends with the national certification exam. The course provides essential food safety knowledge for food handlers, covering topics such as foodborne illness, contamination, receiving and storing food, preparation, service, hygiene, sanitation, pest control, and inspections. It is ideal for those in restaurants, long-term care, assisted living, schools, food trucks, and small food businesses.

Saturday, February 27, 2027 - 8:00 am - 3:00 pm - Kitchen Council  1001 S 6th St  Council Bluffs
Please register at least two weeks prior to the scheduled date. On that day, you'll attend a 4-hour review and Q&A session with the instructor, followed by the 2-hour certification exam. A ServSafe study guide will be mailed to your address on file upon registration. This is an independent study - ServSafe Manager course—students are expected to study the materials on their own in advance. The testing day includes a brief Q&A session and ends with the national certification exam. The course provides essential food safety knowledge for food handlers, covering topics such as foodborne illness, contamination, receiving and storing food, preparation, service, hygiene, sanitation, pest control, and inspections. It is ideal for those in restaurants, long-term care, assisted living, schools, food trucks, and small food businesses.

Saturday, November 21st, 2026 - 8:00 am - 3:00 pm -  Kitchen Council 1001 S 6th St Council Bluffs
Please register at least two weeks prior to the scheduled date. On that day, you'll attend a 4-hour review and Q&A session with the instructor, followed by the 2-hour certification exam. A ServSafe study guide will be mailed to your address on file upon registration. This is an independent study - ServSafe Manager course—students are expected to study the materials on their own in advance. The testing day includes a brief Q&A session and ends with the national certification exam. The course provides essential food safety knowledge for food handlers, covering topics such as foodborne illness, contamination, receiving and storing food, preparation, service, hygiene, sanitation, pest control, and inspections. It is ideal for those in restaurants, long-term care, assisted living, schools, food trucks, and small food businesses.

This entire 4-class series is offered at a discounted rate. Series starts Saturday, August 8 and continues through October 3. All classes held at the Council Bluffs Campus.
From water bath basics to pressure canning meat and complete meals, this series covers the full range of home food preservation so you can stock your pantry with confidence. Each class builds your skills and knowledge one method at a time, giving you a complete toolkit for preserving your harvest safely and efficiently. Whether you're just getting started or looking to expand beyond what you already know, you'll leave each class with real, actionable knowledge.

Water Bath Canning — 08/08/26, Noon–3 PM
Pressure Canning Low-Acid Produce — 08/22/26, 8:00–11:00 AM
Pressure Canning Meat — 09/05/26, Noon–3 PM
Pressure Canning Meals — 10/03/26, Noon–3 PM