Opened in 1973 by the Chickasaw Area Development Commission, the Stanton Cannery, led by Richard Turner since 1973, was initially established to aid low-income families in preserving excess produce with food stamps. Originally open for 9 months a year, it became a year-round service after 1975. By 1979, the Chickasaw Area Development Commission restricted free use to low-income individuals. Subsequently, Haywood County took over, making services available to all for a $2 per item fee.
Richard Turner annually processes 23,000 quarts of vegetables, 9,000 lbs of sausage, 3,000 lbs of deer burger, and historically produced 150 gallons of hog lard (though demand has decreased). Serving around 425 families from six counties, the Cannery operates from May to November for vegetables and mid-November to February for meat.
Of the original six canneries, Stanton Cannery is the sole survivor in West Tennessee. Recognizing Turner’s dedication, he received a Congressional Recognition certificate from Congressman John Tanner on August 18, 2007, and a Certificate of Congratulations from Representative Jimmy Naifeh.
The Stanton Cannery is also a business incubator and certified by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. Residents of West Tennessee can use the Cannery to make jellies, jams, chow chow, muffins, cakes, donuts, and other shelf-stable products to sell in retail stores, farmers markets, etc. Residents will need their personal food processes certified by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture before selling their products retail.
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