A Berry Good Time!

Our recent Jam Making Class was everything we love — community, food, and education wrapped into one delicious experience! From first-time jam makers to seasoned home cooks, folks gathered in the kitchen ready to learn — and get their hands a little sticky in the process! And the best part? The raspberries used came directly from the farms! For us, the connection between soil, plant, and plate is always front and center—and it makes the final product taste even sweeter.

One of the things we love most about our free classes is they create space not just to learn new skills, but to connect. Food has a way of bringing people together, and jam—simple, nostalgic, and joyful—does it especially well. Our instructors walked everyone through the basics of safe jam making, from balancing sweetness and acidity to proper canning techniques. There were plenty of “aha!” moments, a few surprised reactions at how easy it can be, and lots of pride as jars were filled, sealed, and labeled. By the end of the class, each participant went home with their own jar of farm-grown goodness … as well as the confidence to try it again at home.

At Schenectady Urban Farms, we believe that access to food education should be free and welcoming to all. Classes like this aren’t just about recipes; they’re about building skills, strengthening community, and celebrating what’s possible when we grow and learn together. When people gather around food that was grown just steps away, something powerful happens: neighbors become friends, knowledge is shared, and our community grows stronger.

If you missed this class, don’t worry—there’s more to come. Whether it’s jam, gardening, cooking, or preserving, we’re excited to keep offering hands-on opportunities to learn, connect, and enjoy the fruits (and berries!) of our shared work.