As I stand in my kitchen, proudly surveying the 22 jars of pickles I just canned, I can’t help but think of not only the money I just saved but also that I know exactly what went into those jars and that it is healthy for my family.

I love to can. After years of becoming a “lost art,” canning is now making a comeback. And it should. Take a look in your pantry and read the ingredients on your jar of pickles. Yellow No. 5 and No. 6 are common as is Polysorbate 60 or 80. Not things I want my family to eat. They are known carcinogens and also thought to contribute to ADHD in our children. I feel a sense of pride when I can my own food, knowing that I can take care of myself and my family. Not only that, but the food that I canned was either grown by me or bought locally. Now that is something to be proud of.

Save the date, Sept. 2. The Austin Farmers Market will be having a “Harvest Hoedown.” There will be pumpkin decorating contests for the kids, live music, fresh pressed apple cider and don’t forget to enter our Pie Recipe contest for your chance to win $100.

The Farmers Market’s outdoor season runs through October. Beginning Nov. 1, the Market will move indoors at the Oak Park Mall on Thursdays only and will be open from 3:30 to 6 p.m.

The Austin Area Farmers’ Market is open Thursdays, 3:30 to 6 p.m. downtown, Main Street, Mondays, 3:30 to 6 p.m. at the Oak Park Mall and Saturdays, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Oak Park Mall. We accept all major credit cards and EBT. EBT users, don’t forget the BCBS double your bucks program. For the first $5 you spend, you will receive $5 in matching bucks.