image of 5 women making pickles
Umaine Extension Canning and food preservation class at Regional Learning Center n Falmouth MEPhoto Credit: Edwin Remsberg

How To Apply for the 2019 Master Food Preserver Volunteer Program (Deadline Has Passed)

April 26, 2019 Course, Master Food Preservers, News, Nutrition

Would you like to develop expertise in food preservation?

Thank you for your interest in the Master Food Preserver class! The application period for 2019 is now closed. To be placed on an interest list for next year’s class, please email foodnutritioncumberland@maine.edu.

Accepted applicants will spend this summer with new friends in a small class setting. They will gain hands-on learning with seasonal, local food.

assorted home-canned foods
Photo by Edwin Remsberg

 

Dates: 5:30pm – 8:30pm on Tuesdays from June 18 – Sept 17

Location: UMaine Cooperative Extension Cumberland County, 75 Clearwater Dr, Falmouth, ME 04105 and Brunswick High School, 116 Maquoit Rd, Brunswick, ME 04011

 

 

 

 

 

Master Food Preservers serve to extend UMaine 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 University of Maine Cooperative Extension and USDA.

During the lectures, discussions and hands-on kitchen lab experiences, you will learn:

  • the latest information on food safety and food preservation;
  • prevention of foodborne illness;
  • food storage and safety;

    fresh corn on the cob, chili peppers, tomatoes, and canning jars containing canned produce
    Photo by Edwin Remsberg
  • canning basics;
  • canning acid foods;
  • canning low-acid foods;
  • pickled and fermented foods;
  • preserving jams and jellies;
  • freezing foods; and
  • drying food products.

 

 

 

 

To be considered for the 2019 Master Food Preserver program you must be 21 years of age, fill out the application, and submit a letter of recommendation.

Course fee: $250 per person (limited financial assistance available)

Download the MFP Application

If you need a printed version of the application, would like to request financial assistance, or have any questions call 207.781.6099 or email marvin.tala@maine.edu.

 

 

Participants make pickles in a food preservation class
Photo by Edwin Remsberg

For further learning:

Check out these great how-to videos: https://extension.umaine.edu/food-health/food-preservation/how-to-videos/

Try this refrigerator spring pickle recipe: https://extension.umaine.edu/food-health/food-preservation/lets-preserve-refrigerator-spring-pickles/

Learn more about the training here: https://extension.umaine.edu/food-health/food-preservation/master-food-preservers/