MENDOTA - Enjoy the freshness of produce all year long by preserving food safely. To ensure your home canning is safe, University of Illinois Extension suggests having your gauge tested annually to make sure it is operating at the correct pressure. Inaccurate pressure can cause food not to be processed at a high enough temperature to kill harmful bacteria and toxins.

Extension will offer free pressure canner gauge and seal testing at local farmers markets. They will offer trusted resources and recipes along with the confidence that you are preserving your garden bounty safely.

Area residents are welcome to visit the Nutrition and Wellness Program booth at any of the farmers markets nearby.

• Princeton Farmers Market, Saturday, Aug. 7 from 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
• Ladd Farmers Market, Monday, Aug. 16 from 4–6:30 p.m.
• Streator Farmers Market, Saturday, Sept. 4 from 8 a.m.-noon
• Spring Valley Farmers Market, Wednesday, Sept. 8 from 4–6 p.m.