Master Food Preserver Volunteer Training Application

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Application and letter of recommendation are due Friday, May 1, 2026 before 4:30PM.

1. Master Food Preserver Volunteer Program Requirements*

I wish to become a University of Maine Cooperative Extension Master Food Preserver Volunteer. By submitting an application you are affirming that you will attend every class and that you do not have conflicts with scheduled dates. I understand that if I am selected, I must attend at least 7 of the 8 sessions, pay $325 (limited financial assistance is available) by the deadline provided, and complete a minimum of 20 hours of approved volunteer work within a 12-month period to become certified as a Master Food Preserver Volunteer. In order to maintain my Master Food Preserver Volunteer certification, I understand that I'll need to continue to volunteer 10 hours every year with an approved project and submit an annual enrollment form.

Note: Participants not willing or able to complete 20 hours of volunteer service within a 12-month period following training should not apply for the Master Food Preserver Volunteer Program.

Yes, I agree to these statements.
No, I do not agree to these statements.

2. If I am accepted as a UMaine Extension Master Food Preserver Volunteer trainee, I will abide by the Volunteer Standards of Behavior of UMaine Extension. I understand that as a Master Food Preserver Volunteer, I am considered a volunteer of the University of Maine.*

Please review UMaine Extension Volunteer Standards of Behavior.

Yes
No

Type your name here to sign electronically.*

3. Personal Information*

First Last

Name

Mailing Address*

Street Address City State ZIP Code

Home or Cell Phone (###) ### - ####*

Email*

Enter Email Confirm Email

4. How did you learn about UMaine Extension's Master Food Preserver Volunteer program?*

5. Have you ever applied for UMaine Extension's Master Food Preserver Volunteer training?*

Yes
No

If yes, what year?

6. How many years of food preservation experience do you have?*

Please describe your food preservation experiences or training (formal or informal).

Example: I took a food preservation course through adult education.

7. Are you knowledgeable in the following food preservation methods? Please check any that apply.*

Boiling water bath canning
Drying
Fermentation
Freeze Drying
Freezing
Pressure canning
Winter storage techniques
Other

If you selected Other, please specify:*

8. Are you affiliated with any gardening or food-related groups?*

Yes
No

If yes, please specify which gardening or food-related groups:

9. Why do you wish to become a Master Food Preserver Volunteer?*

(Really think about this question and respond accordingly.)

10. In what ways do you think you might apply the knowledge and skills gained from this training in your future role as a Master Food Preserver Volunteer?*

11. What type(s) of volunteer work have you done? Briefly describe your history as a volunteer.*

Example: Food Co-op Volunteer, 2 hours per week, Jan. 2015—present

(Click the plus sign on the right to add more rows.)

Volunteer Type	Frequency	Estimated Dates

12. Please explain any experience you have with the following skills:

Working with children:

Working with people with disabilities:

Working with older adults (people over 65):

Program planning:

Teaching:

Culinary Arts:

13. What food preservation topics are you hoping to learn in this training?*

14. Reference Letter Requirement:

In addition to this application, a letter of reference is required for all Master Food Preserver Volunteer program applicants. An applicant will not be considered for the program unless a letter of reference is provided.

A letter can be emailed to extension.rlreception@maine.edu or mailed to UMaine Cooperative Extension, Attn: MFP Program, 75 Clearwater Dr., Ste. 104, Falmouth, ME 04105. All applications and reference letters must be received by Friday, May 1, 2026 at 4:30 PM.

What is the status of your reference letter?*

A reference letter has already been submitted for me.
A reference letter will arrive before the deadline.

Thank you for applying for the Master Food Preserver Volunteer Training Program! Applications will be reviewed during the first two weeks of May and applicants will be notified by the end of May.

Before submitting your responses, consider saving a copy of this form for your own records.

You will receive a copy of your responses via email (check your spam folder if your email notification does not appear in your inbox).

Cooperative Extension: Food & Health

Master Food Preserver Volunteer Application

14. Reference Letter Requirement:

Before submitting your responses, consider saving a copy of this form for your own records.