Food Safety and Preservation

About Lane County food preservation and safety programs

Food safety and preservation resources and classes, provided through the Oregon State University Extension Family and Community Health, ensures Oregonians have access to the most reliable information available. It is critical that those who prepare food and practice preserving and processing foods at home have access to research-based information on safe food handling.

Interest list

Where can I find resources and help?

Trained OSU Master Food Preserver volunteers provide education in many ways:

Events: Attend a workshop or class.
Educational resources: View our online catalog of publications, books, and guides.
Ask us questions: Call the food preservation and safety hotline. We will assist you in answering your food preservation and safety questions.
- Year-round message line: 541-344-4885
- Mid-July to Mid-October hotline: 1-800-354-7319
Ask an Expert: Submit your question to OSU Extension's online Ask an Expert.
Pressure canner gauge testing: Bring your pressure canner gauge in to the office for testing.
Become a Master Food Preserver: Learn about becoming a Master Food Preserver.

See below to learn more.

Photo: Tiffany Woods, OSU EESC (Cropped from original)

Learn what is happening in your community

In the four years after voters passed a levy to fund OSU Extension in Lane County in 2016, volunteers in the Master Food Preservers program have doubled the amount of workshops offered and increased educational contacts by 120%. Food safety and preservation resources and classes, provided through the Oregon State University Extension Family and Community Health Program, ensures Oregonians have access to the most reliable information available.

Workshops and Classes

Mar 27

March Cook-Along: Chicken (or Chickpea) Dumpling Casserole

5:15 pm - 6:15 pm PDT Online

Mar 30

Food Hero Older Adults: Focus on Calcium and Vitamin D!

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm PDT Online

See more events

What is the Master Food Preserver program?

The Master Food Preserver Program provides dedicated volunteers with an in-depth training program in the area of food preservation and safety. In return for the training, volunteers are certified and assist the county Extension staff to provide up-to-date food preservation and safety information to the citizens of Lane County and statewide. The program has been active in Lane County since 1980 when OSU Extension developed the program.

Research-based food preservation techniques: Receive an in-depth training covering most aspects of food preservation including safety.
Hands-on experience: Classes are taught in a practical, hands-on manner appropriate for people of different educational backgrounds, learning styles and previous food preservation experience.
Help your community: Make an enormous contribution to the health and welfare of people throughout Lane County through volunteer service.
Learn by teaching: Volunteers develop skills in working with people, public speaking, and build self-confidence while increasing their expertise in food safety/preservation.

Learn More

Credit: Glenda Hyde (Cropped from original)

Featured Resource on Food Preservation & Canning

Canning Timer & Checklist App

Select from over 50 popular foods used in home canning—including vegetables, fruits, meats, jams, jellies, pickles, and seafood—to generate a checklist and timer for processing. This app lets set you set your jar size, pack ...

Jeanne Brandt | Mar 2020 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)