ABSTRACT

Watermelon is one of the most widely consumed horticultural commodities due to its sweet taste, refreshing nature, and high water content. However, the utilization of watermelon is generally limited to its flesh, while the rind is often considered household waste with low economic value. This condition highlights the need for community empowerment through innovative processing of watermelon rind into value-added products. This community service activity was conducted in Mayang District, Jember Regency, with the aim of improving community knowledge and skills in processing watermelon rind into candied watermelon rind products, while also providing education on both online and offline marketing strategies. The implementation methods included socialization, educational counseling, demonstrations of candied watermelon rind production, and assistance in product marketing. The results showed an increase in participants' understanding of the potential utilization of watermelon rind waste and their ability to produce consumable products with economic value. In addition, participants gained insights into packaging and digital marketing as efforts to support the development of local food-based businesses. This activity is expected to serve as an alternative for community economic empowerment while supporting food waste reduction through the sustainable utilization of horticultural products.