Amber Meairs, account director at IMS, has a penchant for produce. As a child, she grew up with what she calls an “organic wonderland” in her backyard. “When we lived in Kansas, and later in Nebraska, my parents taught me the joy of having a garden. I loved being able to walk outside and eat something right off the vine,” said Amber. 

 

So when the chance came along to manage a grassroots canning program with local farmers markets, Amber was more than ready to make the program grow. Discover You Can is a summer canning education program sponsored by Jarden Home Brands, makers of Ball® Brand Fresh Preserving Products. The goal of the program is to generate awareness, encourage canning, and to promote food preservation through local Market Managers using farm-fresh, local produce. 

 

“Now that I live in the city, I really love farmers markets for not only the fresh items, but the sense of community you get with your neighbors and the farmers,” said Amber.

 

More than 500 canning demonstrations were held in only three months. More than 36,000 people reportedly participated in live canning demonstrations hosted by our 50 Discover You Can farmers markets across the country. 

 

“The program was a huge success,” said Amber. “Farmers reported increased sales as a result of the program, and several reported they sold out of some items when they were featured in a canning demonstration. Our client was thrilled. We are really looking forward to the next canning season!”