County Press Releases

The University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) invites adults interested in helping others learn about safe home food preservation to apply to train to become a certified UCCE Master Food Preserver volunteer. Master Food Preserver volunteers learn University-based, scientific information and then share that knowledge with our community in El Dorado County through free public classes, newsletters, Farm Day, farmers markets, Kid’s Expo, the County Fair, and other educational events.

There will be a program overview meeting for anyone interested in becoming a Master Food Preserver on January 5, 2017 at the Bethell–Delfino Agriculture Building, 311 Fair Lane, Placerville, California 95667. We will discuss in depth what you will be doing as a certified Master Food Preserver, what the classes consist of, and what your volunteer responsibilities may entail. Class size is limited to 12 students, so if you are interested, this is a meeting you should attend.

Training classes for accepted volunteers begin February 2, 2017 and meet 2-3 times per month through June, followed by a 6-month internship. Classes will be on Thursdays and Saturdays and consist of both lectures and hands-on labs. The training fee is $125; payment is due by January 31, 2017. Once training is completed, the new volunteers will be certified Master Food Preservers and agents of the UCCE. Our mission is to teach our local communities how to safely preserve food at home. As agents of the UCCE, Master Food Preservers of El Dorado County are required to volunteer at least 50 hours during the first year and 25 hours each subsequent year in our community. Highest priority for applicants is given to residents of El Dorado County. Residents from neighboring counties who are willing to volunteer in El Dorado County may also apply.

Complete the online application at http://ucanr.edu/be_edmfp. Applications will be due by January 8, 2017. Interviews are on January 11th and 13th. The main criteria for acceptance is prior community service; experience teaching, either by giving presentations, writing, or in oneon-one situations; and experience with home preservation.

For more information, contact Robin Cleveland at 530-621-5528 or rkcleveland@ucanr.edu