Take part in a food preservation class

The Hall County Extension in partnership with the Hall County Library System will be offering a free food preservation class on up-to-date resources for canning, freezing, drying, jelly-making and pickling from 1-2 p.m. Sept. 26 at Spout Springs Library, 6488 Spout Springs Road.

This one-hour class will provide you with basic resources as well as information on food preservation brochures, books, Web sites, online courses and DVDs.

Everyone attending will receive a packet of information.

So whether you are a beginner or experienced food preserver, come join us. You must call the Spout Springs library at 770-532-3311, ext. 191, to register by Sept. 25.

Find fall's bounty at farmers market

The Hall County Farmers Market is fired up for fall with fresh fruits and vegetables.

Now at the market you may find: peaches, pears, scuppernongs, muscadines, figs, blueberries, watermelons and dried apples. Vegetables available may include okra, peppers (hot and mild), peas, green beans, potatoes, summer squash, butternut squash, tomatoes, eggplant, cucumber, beets, corn, cabbage and pumpkins.

You can also purchase dried herbs, fresh flowers, hanging baskets and bedding plants. Come early for the best selection.

The market is open at 6 a.m. Tuesdays and at 7 a.m. Saturdays until all produce is sold (get there early for the best selection, at least by 11 a.m.). The market is located on the corner of East Crescent Drive and Jesse Jewell Parkway near 985 at Exit 24 (only two and a half miles from downtown).

Luncheon promotes breast cancer awareness

Breast cancer awareness, education, prevention and intervention are critical steps that help individuals live long and productive lives.

District 2 Public Health's Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, Hall County Men's Health Initiative, Hall County Cooperative Extension, Northeast Georgia Health Systems, American Cancer Society, The Longstreet Clinic and community volunteers have teamed up to host the third annual Breast Cancer, A Family Affair Luncheon.

The luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 15 at the in the ballroom at the Gainesville Civic Center. The cost is $25 per person or two for $40.

Our keynote speaker will be former Sen. Carol Jackson. For more information, please call 770-535-5743.

FDA lifts ban on Mexican peppers

Based on information published Aug. 29 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has lifted its advice to consumers to avoid eating jalapeño and Serrano peppers grown, harvested or packed in Mexico.

According to the CDC, the Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak appears to be over and jalapeño peppers and Serrano peppers grown in Mexico and associated with the Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak are no longer in circulation in the U.S. market.

Debbie Wilburn is county extension agent in family and consumer science with the Hall County Extension. Contact: 770-535-8290.