FMC is excited to bring back this summer canning education program, and invites your market to apply for the 2013 season. With just under 6 million attendees at last year’s participating markets, Discover You Can℠ helped dozens of FMC members meet their educational missions. So much so, that we’ve updated the program name to Discover You Can Learn, Make, Share℠ because the program not only teaches at-home canning in 3 simple steps and supports awareness of the benefits of canning for healthy, sustainable living…but it helps bring communities together allowing them to make and share farm fresh recipes with each other.

Sponsored by Jarden Home Brands, makers of Ball® Brand Fresh Preserving Products, Discover You Can Learn, Make, Share℠ is offering 30 FMC member farmers market organizations the opportunity to apply for $1,200 in funding. The funding is to be used to support local efforts to educate communities on the benefits and simple ‘how tos’ of canning. In addition to funding, the selected 30 organizations will also receive a starter kit, signage, coupons, samples, and more from Jarden.

This program will allow you, if among the 30 selected organizations, to host canning demonstrations and events, teaching your community the benefits of buying and preserving local produce. Discover you Can Learn, Make, Share℠ will help your community learn how to can and make favorite canning recipes so they may share the canning fun (and tastes of summer) with others. As each empty jar fills, so will the colors of your market.

If you are interested in participating in this program, click here to complete the online application. If you have questions about this program, please contact Amber Meairs at DiscoverYouCan@imschicago.com or (312) 242-4723.

Jarden Home Brands is accepting applications until Friday April 19, 2013. Selected farmers markets will be announced the week of April 22, 2013, and welcome kits will be mailed immediately thereafter, so that participating markets can launch canning education during Memorial Day weekend.

FMC has received a wealth of positive feedback from members about Discover You Can Learn, Make, Share℠ and we are very excited to be partnering with Jarden Home Brands on this program again in 2013. Your support as a member is what allows us to make opportunities like this available, and we hope you’ll take advantage of the opportunity to bring canning education into your farmers market. Not yet a member of FMC?  Join today, so that you can apply now and get ready to learn! What will you make today? Who will you share with tomorrow?