Master Food Preservers serve to extend University of Maine Cooperative Extension's education programs in food preservation to adults and youth. The Master Food Preserver serves as a volunteer and resource in the community to provide the public with research-based information from the UMaine Extension and USDA.

Why you should become a Master Food Preserver?

• You enjoy the art and science of food preservation or want to learn.

• You have a desire to share your expertise with others in the community.

Who is eligible to apply?

Maine residents, 21 years or older are eligible to apply to take the Master Food Preserver course. To become a Master Food Preserver, applicants must meet the following qualifications:

• Attend the 10-part, 30-hour Master Food Preserver course, including hands-on kitchen lab sessions. The course begins in June and ends in October.

• Successfully complete Preserving Food at Home: A Self Study (Modules 1 – 4) available online at the National Center for Home Food Preservation

• Meet the Minimum Competency Assessment.

• Complete at least 20 hours of volunteer service as a Master Food Preserver.

• Report the impact of your volunteer time.

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;

• basis of spoilage and preservation;

• canning basics;

• canning acid foods;

• canning low-acid foods;

• pickled and fermented foods;

• preserving jams and jellies;

• freezing foods;

• drying food products; and

• winter storage techniques.

What does the training cost?

The cost of the course is $125.

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.

How do you apply?

Call 1-800-287-1471 (toll free in Maine) to request a Master Food Preserver brochure. Class size is limited.

For more information, contact Kathy Savoie at ksavoie@umext.maine.edu.