Can-Your-Own in Keezletown!

The Keezletown Community Cannery is the only true can-your-own, nonprofit cannery remaining in Virginia and it is one of the oldest in the United States. The Cannery, located in Keezletown, began in 1942 in the basement of the elementary school. As World War II was raging and food and supplies at home were rationed, people began growing Victory Gardens to supplement their food supply – canning what they grew to ensure nothing went to waste.

Until recently, the Cannery was owned and supported by Rockingham County. Due to recent budget cuts, however, the county decided to discontinue its support, and the Cannery’s future was unknown.

A local nonprofit organization, the Horizons Learning Foundation, took up the reins this August – committed to preserving this important piece of area history. The HLF has taken over ownership for the purpose of keeping the cannery open and operating it as it has been operating for the past 57 years.

Marketing efforts are currently underway to help get the word out that the Cannery is still open and to invite the public to visit and use the Cannery. A logo is currently being developed and there is a website under construction.

As community members of the Shenandoah Valley, the Cannery is seeking your support. Please come can your own produce and/or meat or donate funding and resources to sustain the Cannery’s existence. If nothing else, please spread the word that it is open and how to get more information.