Welcome

Cannery Open as of July 2, 2009

Please note that the old entrance to the east end of the property is closed due to construction. Please enter from the western parking lot.

The New London Community Cannery islocated at 12404 E. Lynchburg Salem Turnpike behind New London Academy. The cannery’s regular operating hours are on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 7:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., depending on workload. The cannery phone number is 434-525-9706.

For more than 50 years Bedford County has operated a community cannery at New London Academy for the benefit of gardeners who want to preserve their harvest. (Besides produce, the cannery can also preserve meat, by appointment only). The cannery accommodates #300 and #2-1/2 cans and provides the work space, sinks and supplies. The cannery is open to everyone, whether they live in the county or not.

Location: New London Academy, US 460 at Va. 811

Season: Opens the first week of July
(Or the last week of June, depending on the season

Open: Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning at 7:30 a.m.

Rules and Regulations

Instructors may instruct each user in correct canning procedures
Instructors are not permitted to do canning for anyone.
All food containers (cans) must be marked with the patron number assigned.
Responsibility for marking is the responsibility of the patron
Each patron must clean up after each operation and remove garbage, wash equipment and leave area clean by washing tabletop and sink.
Do not request that processing procedure, time or temperature be changed. Cannery personnel have been instructed to observe recommended procedures and processing schedules.
Preparation and processing procedures in the cannery must conform to state food regulations for community canneries. User cooperation is required.
People using facilities must observe safety precautions (steam is dangerous if not properly handled).
Children under age 15 will not be permitted in the processing room
All patrons must observe strict sanitary practices. Wear clean protective clothing (no shorts or halters), closed toe shoes, hands clean, long hair pulled back and secured.
No smoking, tobacco chewing or spitting in drains allowed. <
No off-grade or spoiled products shall be canned or brought into the cannery. Excessively dirty produce shall be washed at home prior to cannery appointment.
Patrons must bring sufficent help to prepare and process food within allotted time.
Each patron is expected to follow through completed canning operations. Be sure to remove containers of food from retort basket or crate as soon as crate of canned foods are removed from cooling water bath spray.
No equipment, pots, pans or utensils are to be removed from the cannery.
Patrons to have cans checked and payment made before leaving the cannery.
BEDFORD COUNTY DISCLAIMS ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR INJURY TO PERSONS OR PROPERTY PROXIMATELY CAUSED BY THE CANNING OPERATION.