Food preservation is a popular practice in Oregon, with more than half of households using methods beyond refrigeration and freezing. It helps families lower food costs, reduce waste and enjoy seasonal foods year-round.
These efforts help households reduce costs, limit food waste and improve food security, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
In rural areas, where grocery stores may be far away and prices are higher, preserving food plays an important role in household food security and community resilience.
However, the equipment needed to preserve food is often bulky, expensive and used only a few times each year. Surveys of farmers market customers and food pantry visitors show that many Oregonians want to preserve more food but lack access to the necessary tools.
Since 2018, Oregon State University Extension Service Family and Community Health faculty have partnered with libraries and community centers to create Library of Things collections focused on food preservation equipment.
These collections allow library patrons to borrow items such as dehydrators, pressure canners and steam juicers at no cost for limited periods. Sharing equipment across communities makes it possible for more people to try food preservation without the upfront expense.
OSU Extension supports these efforts by advising libraries on equipment purchases and training staff on proper use and care. The program also provides educational materials to help patrons use the equipment safely and effectively.
Supporting safe food preservation
Each equipment checkout includes an Extension-developed information sheet outlining key features and safety considerations. Depending on the method, patrons may also receive recipes, publications and additional guidance.
Extension faculty work with libraries to offer public workshops and demonstrations that teach safe food preservation practices. To expand access, OSU Extension has also created digital resources covering 12 commonly available pieces of equipment. These web pages include recipes, tips and videos and were visited by more than 300 users in the final months of 2025.
Growing reach across Oregon
In 2025, OSU Extension partnered with 26 libraries and library branches across Oregon, serving both rural and urban communities. Participating counties included Baker, Clackamas, Clatsop, Coos, Douglas, Harney, Hood River, Lane, Linn, Malheur, Marion, Multnomah, Wallowa and Wasco.
Equipment from these collections was checked out more than 1,700 times in 2025, a significant increase from previous years.
Public libraries play a key role in reaching broad audiences. Some collections are designed to serve historically marginalized communities, including urban Native populations in Multnomah County.
Strengthening household resilience
Access to shared equipment is helping households build skills and stretch food budgets. In a voluntary survey of participants, more than 15% reported experiencing food insecurity in the past year. While many said they borrowed equipment for enjoyment, more than half also reported using it to save money and reduce food waste.
By lowering barriers to food preservation, the program is helping more Oregonians take advantage of seasonal abundance and reduce reliance on purchased foods.
Public value
By partnering with public libraries to share equipment and knowledge, OSU Extension is expanding access to safe food preservation across Oregon.
These efforts help households reduce costs, limit food waste and improve food security, particularly in rural and underserved communities.