Canned Food Month: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Canned Food Month (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Canned Food Month is observed on February 1st.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Canned Food Month, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as fun facts you should know about Canned Food Month.

📅 What day is Canned Food Month 2024?

In 2024, Canned Food Month is on Wednesday, February 1st. It is the 1st Wednesday in February; in 2024, it is Thursday. There are until the next observance. You also can view all intriguing details and facts about February 1, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

The Canned Food Information Council has designated February as National Canned Food Month to debunk various misconceptions about canned products. This month-long celebration aims to simplify your kitchen life by highlighting the benefits of canned food. Dating back to the early 1800s, canning is a contemporary method of preserving food that remains popular today. It allows for surplus food to be donated to those in need, helps save money at home, and provides the convenience of pre-made favorites, reducing cooking time.

📜 Canned Food Month History

Appert’s book about his invention sparked widespread interest and marked the beginning of the canning industry. Peter Durand, an English businessman, further developed the concept by using tin cans instead of glass cans. He obtained a patent for this innovation in 1810, and by 1820, the Royal Navy benefited greatly from his ingenious food storage solution.

As canneries started to experiment with different materials and packaging techniques, they transitioned from using tin-plated iron cans to steel cans with tinplate and aluminum. Aluminum, being lightweight and resistant to rust, became commonly used for packaging beverages like sodas.

During the 19th century, canning experienced significant growth. After the economic downturn ended in 1873, companies such as Campbell Soup, Heinz, and Borden rapidly sold canned food products. Innovations continued with Alexander Kerr’s introduction of the wide-mouth canning jar in 1903, which featured a patented lid consisting of a metal disc and gasket held in place by a ring. The Ball brothers, led by William Charles Ball, also made a notable impact in the canning industry by replicating Kerr’s discovery and establishing multiple smaller canneries.

Canned foods remain highly popular today, and the technology surrounding them continually advances. People from all walks of life, including individuals, communities, the military, and food banks, rely on commercially canned products as a cherished and affordable source of nutrition. Let’s give them the recognition they deserve this month!

✅ Canned Food Month Facts

🔖 Not too salty
Despite the common misconception that canned foods contain high levels of sodium, there is no evidence to suggest that they significantly contribute to excessive sodium intake. However, if you still want to reduce the amount of salt in canned goods, you can do so by emptying and rinsing them.

🔖 The Cheapest Option
Are you aware that the cost of fresh green beans is over five times higher than canned green beans? Buying canned goods can be a great strategy to stretch your monthly food budget.

🔖 Canned Foods go Green
Canned food containers are the most commonly recycled type of packaging in the United States, indicating that canned goods are a sustainable choice for the environment.

👍 Why Is Canned Food Month Important

Canned goods have only a positive influence on the globe, from being ecologically friendly to being the finest donation item for families in need. We appreciate any safe food packaging that reduces plastic waste and can be recycled into another can after use. Food banks are constantly in need of canned food donations, and the low cost of canned items helps families in need stretch their monthly budget.

Nowadays, few people can grow their own food, and it’s a dying craft. Anyone can buy a can of something, but when you can it yourself, you understand how much labor goes into making these things safe, long-lasting, and delicious. Canning your own food is a fascinating endeavor that will make you appreciate all of the canned products in your cabinet!

Aside from preserving valuable fridge space, canned products make cooking so much easier. Canned items are frequently pre-chopped, pre-cooked, and pre-prepared. If you’re in a rush to prepare supper or just don’t want to spend time slaving over a hot stove, all you have to do is open a can.

🙂 How To Observe Canned Food Month

⚡ Create your own can
Looking to make the most out of your monthly budget? Don’t think you’ll be able to eat all the chili in one go? Discover the money and time-saving advantages of learning how to can your own food, and enjoy the benefits for months to come.

⚡ Donate!
Organize and declutter your cupboards! It’s true that canned foods have a long shelf life, but if you haven’t eaten those beans for a while and they’re still good, donating them to a family in need through a local food bank or shelter would be a much better use. By doing so, you not only help others but also free up space in your pantry.

⚡ Hold a canned cook-off
Imagine this as your ultimate cooking challenge: How can you take ordinary canned carrots, beans, and pineapple and turn them into an extraordinary gourmet dish? With a wide selection of over 1,500 canned food options, you’re guaranteed to create a delicious and impressive meal.

📅 When is Canned Food Month?

See all 🔗 February holidays, including 🔗 Cause and other 🔗 Food holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and interesting facts about Canned Food Month. So be sure to check back soon.