Become a UC Master Food Preserver Volunteer

UC Master Food Preserver Program

January 6, 2022 - The University of California Master Food Preserver Program invites adults interested in helping others learn about safe home food preservation to apply to the UC Master Food Preserver volunteer in our newest program covering Mariposa, Merced, Madera, Fresno, and Tuolumne counties! The 2022 Training Program is now open for applications at https://ucanr.edu/2022ucmfp. Prior food preservation experience is not required.

UC Master Food Preserver volunteers learn research-based food preservation techniques and then share that knowledge with their local community at online and in-person public demonstrations and guest speaker presentations, through social media, and at information booths at farmers markets, county events and the California State Fair.

Please watch the recording of the informational meetings to learn more about the volunteer requirements as well as the selection and training process. Viewing of the informational meeting is a mandatory pre-requisite to apply; however, you can submit your application prior to viewing the informational meeting. Please sign up to receive a link to the meeting recording at https://ucanr.edu/2022-mfp-training-mtg.

The 2022 UC Master Food Preserver program training classes will be on 9 Fridays from 2:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. on the following dates: February 4, 18, 25; March 11; April 1, 22; May 13; June 3, 17. Hands-on lab classes are currently scheduled one to two times on month and will take place in Mariposa County. Volunteers from Mariposa, Merced, Madera, Fresno, and Tuolumne Counties will need to complete their hands on training in Mariposa County but will be able to complete their volunteer hours in their own county, if desired.

The UC Master Food Preserver training program consists of over 40 hours of intensive training and costs $150. This price covers three training manuals, class materials, and all lab expenses.

Applications for the 2022 training classes are due by the end of Sunday, January 16, 2022. A background check including fingerprinting is required upon acceptance.

For more information, please visit https://cemariposa.ucanr.edu/Master_Food_Preserver_Program or contact Sheri Mace at smace@ucanr.edu or 209-966-2417.

2022 UC Master Food Preserver Training

Course Schedule: All regular classes on Fridays, 2:00 – 4:00

• Links to the upcoming pre-class homework recordings and videos will be emailed to students after each class.
• Additional homework projects include online chapter quizzes and optional home processing projects.
• Students are expected to attend at least one on-line or in-person public class during the training program.
• Questions? Contact your local program coordinator.

Source: UC Cooperative Extension, Mariposa