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Cost of Preserving and Storing Food

by P. Kendall and L. Payton, Colorado State University Extension

In the past few years, many Americans have attempted to beat rising food costs with a garden hoe and canning jars. Home food preservation saves money for some people.  For others it may not save anything.  Costs to consider when figuring the economics of food preservation include: produce and ingredients, equipment and supplies, fuel consumption, capital outlays, time and energy, and the cost of similar food preserved commercially. Freezing is simple and keeps food more like fresh produce than other preservation methods.  However, a freezer is costly to purchase and operate.

To determine if the cost of preserving food is a savings for you and your family, visit the following link which will outline the factors in the cost of storing and preserving food: www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/foodnut/08704.html.