Do you enjoy the art and science of food preservation? Would you like to develop expertise in food preservation? Consider becoming a Master Food Preserver.
What is a Master Food Preserver?
Master Food Preservers serve to extend Extension’s education programs in food preservation to adults and youth. The Master Food Preserver serves as a volunteer and as a resource in the community to provide the public with research-based information from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension and USDA.
Direct questions about the program to the instructor Kathy Savoie at ksavoie@maine.edu.
Who is eligible to apply?
Through an application process, any Maine resident 18 years or older is eligible to take the Master Food Preserver course. To become a Master Food Preserver, accepted applicants must meet the following qualifications:
Attend the 10-part, 35-hour Master Food Preserver course including hands-on kitchen lab sessions.
Complete lab quizzes and pass the final written exam.
Complete at least 20 hours of volunteer service as a Master Food Preserver.
Complete quarterly reports on the number of public contacts made.
To learn more view the Master Food Preserver Volunteer Role Description.
What does the training cover?
During the lectures, discussions and hands-on kitchen lab experiences, you will learn:
the latest information on food safety and food preservation;
prevention of food-borne illness;
food storage and safety;
canning basics;
canning acid foods;
canning low-acid foods;
pickled and fermented foods;
preserving jams and jellies;
freezing foods; and
drying food products.
What does the training cost?
$300 per person (limited financial assistance available)
What are Master Food Preserver volunteer experiences?
After completing your training, you will have an opportunity to choose your volunteer experiences. The 20-hour commitment can be fulfilled by:
Helping others to learn, and provide research-based information from UMaine Extension.
Providing information at local farmers’ markets, fairs, or community events.
Conducting presentations and workshops as part of a team or on your own for community groups and schools.
Preparing educational displays, writing articles for newsletters, newspapers, etc.
2022 Master Food Preserver Course
Master Food Preserver applications are now available. To be considered for the Master Food Preserver program you must fill out an application and submit a letter of recommendation. Applications are due May 6 by 4:30 p.m.
Locations:
UMaine Cooperative Extension Cumberland County, 75 Clearwater Dr, Suite 104, Falmouth, ME 04105
Brunswick High School, 116 Maquoit Rd, Brunswick, ME 04011
Topics:
Session I: Introduction
Session II: Jams and Jellies
Session III: Drying Herbs
Session IV: Low Acid Canning
Session V: Pickling and Fermenting
Session VI: Freezing Fruit
Session VII: Tomatoes and Tomato Products
Session VIII: Canning Acid Foods
Session IX: Winter Storage
Session X: Final Exam
Time: 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Workshop Leader: Kathy Savoie, MS, RD, Extension Educator
Applications can be found here: https://extension.umaine.edu/food-health/food-preservation/master-food-preservers/application/
Applications are due May 6 by 4:30 p.m.
