Master Food Preserver Program

What We’ll Do

• Review applicants. Main criteria for acceptance: 1) prior community service, 2) experience teaching, either by giving presentations, writing, or in one-on-one situations, 3) experience/interest in home food preservation.
• Request a DOJ Clearance, including fingerprinting.
• Teach you how to preserve food successfully using scientifically researched home processes.
• Teach you how to educate our community about safe home food preservation.
• Provide you with plenty of fun volunteer and continuing education opportunities.

What You’ll Do If Accepted

• Pay the $150 course fee by February 2, 2021.
• Attend the 9 classes from 2:00 – 4:00 pm on the Friday dates listed. Attend the 7 in-person lab classes. Only one class may be missed and must be completed outside of normal class time with a mentor.
• Complete the Live Scan fingerprinting process by February 18, 2022. A form and directions will be provided to all successful applicants. 
• Attend monthly MFP general meetings as often as possible. As this is a new program, the first training class will meet to determine days/times. Due to the large geographical area, meetings will be scheduled via Zoom.
• Attend at least one public class hosted by a UC Master Food Preserver Program; either in person or online.
• Complete 50 volunteer hours your first full program year, then 25 volunteer and 12 continuing education hours each year thereafter.
• Pass an annual food safety reappointment quiz.
• Have fun!

Class Locations

Lecture classes & labs:

Online lecture classes via Zoom: Fridays, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Hands-on labs: Fridays from 2:00-6:00 OR Saturdays from 9:00-1:00 (approximately once or twice per month)

In-person hands-on labs 

Hands-on Labs will be held in Mariposa County. Students must be willing to attend either a Friday afternoon or Saturday morning lab approximately once per month. 

Training Fee: $150.00