Season Opening May 30th, 2026
Open Tuesday & Thursdays (July-October)
About
Union County Canning Plant is a community facility intended for home or personal canning only. You handle the canning process, and we take care of the processing. The facility is not certified for commercial use, and any canned products made here cannot be sold.
Open Tuesdays & Thursdays
June-October
*Appointment Needed*
Procedure
- Schedule your day/time by calling or emailing the Canning Plant. Please DON'T assume you have an appointment until you have received confirmation from a staff member.
- The first time you come in, fill out the 2026 Registration Form and ask a staff member for an assigned number. This is your number for the year. When returning, you will use this same number. In case you forget your number, a list will be posted.
- Check-in with a staff member and go to the table that is assigned to you.
- Prepare your product. If your product needs to be steamed/cooked, alert a staff member to assist you.
- Place jars upside down in a small basket for sterilization and allow a staff member to sterilize them for you.
- Write the registration number on the lids (with Sharpie) and write an "M" if your product includes meat.
- Put your hot product in hot jars.
- Wipe the rim, put lids/rings on your jars, and let a staff member know they are ready to be processed.
- Clean the table and any cannery equipment used before leaving. Take any personal items with you after your appointment time.
- Return before 3:30 pm to pick up and pay for your product by filling out an envelope with the exact amount owed. Place it in the collection box outside the office.
Note: recipes must be approved canning products following the National Center for Home Food Preservation guidelines. You can call the cannery with any questions or visit the National Center for Home Food Preservation (NCHFP) website.
Important Safety Information
- Please wear closed-toe shoes
- No children under 13 are permitted
- Recipes must be from an approved processed authority such as UGA National Center for Home Food Preservation or USDA.
For safety reasons the Union County Canning Plant will not process:
Vegetables that do not have current USDA canning guidelines
Dairy products such as cream, milk, cheese, sour cream, yogurt,
Non-vegetable starches such pasta, rice, flour, cornstarch
Non-Dairy Dairy alternatives
What To Bring
Jars, lids (Ball or Kerr), rings, products to be canned and all ingredients. You are welcome to bring your kitchenware, but we do have a variety of kitchen items available at the cannery for your use. However, please note this is a shared space and we have limited materials for use.
COST: $0.50 per pint / $0.50 per quart