McKinley Extension opens registration, winter programs support food security

The McKinley County Extension Office at New Mexico State University is promoting a slate of community education programs this winter and spring, and registration for key trainings closes soon. The office is running a winter Gardening Series with weekly sessions at the Gallup Community Pantry, and it is scheduling an in person Master Food Preserver program with classes and labs from January through April 2026. Registration for the 2026 Virtual Extension Master Gardener training closes on December 19, 2025, with the virtual course starting in January 2026.

These offerings are targeted to residents interested in gardening, food preservation, emergency preparedness, 4H youth activities and broader outreach. Local partnerships such as the Gallup Community Pantry position workshops where community members already gather, increasing access for families who rely on pantry services and community based supports. The food preservation training in particular is designed to expand household capacity to store and prepare seasonal harvests safely, a practical public health intervention that can reduce food waste and improve nutrition.

For McKinley County this programming has layered benefits. Hands on gardening and preservation skills can help households stretch food budgets, support chronic disease prevention through increased access to fresh produce, and reduce pressure on emergency food systems. Training volunteers as Extension Master Gardeners and Master Food Preservers builds local capacity for sustained programming and neighborhood outreach, which supports community resilience during extreme weather events or supply disruptions.

Barriers remain that will shape who can participate. The virtual Master Gardener training offers flexibility for those with internet access, but digital divides and limited broadband in parts of the county can exclude residents. In person classes require transportation and time that not all households can spare. Equitable outreach, sliding scale fees when applicable, and coordination with local service providers will determine whether these programs reach the most vulnerable populations.

Residents can find program descriptions, contact information and sign up links on the McKinley County Extension page at mckinleyextension.nmsu.edu. With the December 19 deadline for the virtual training drawing near, organizers urge interested residents to register promptly to secure a place.