Master Food Preserver Program
Master Food Preservers are trained and certified volunteers who assist OSU Extension Service in their efforts to provide up-to-date food safety and preservation information to Oregonians. After a comprehensive, hands-on training, volunteers serve as a local community resource providing food preservation information to community members.
In addition to an intensive required training course, MFPs complete 20-40 hours of service annually by conducting community education, outreach, and organizing. Types of volunteer service might include:
- Supporting food preservation workshops taught by Extension faculty
- Answering consumer questions about food safety on our hotline
- Working with gleaning groups to reduce food waste on local farms
- Helping a cultural organization to access and preserve traditional foods
- Volunteering in a food pantry to talk with clients about cooking with unfamiliar foods
Please check our MFP training courses page, or contact with your local county Extension office for more information on the Master Food Preserver programs in your area.
Publications
OSU Extension Catalog has a number of publications that provide comprehensive information related to food safety and storage and food preservation. Publications are used by our Master Food Preservers for quick reference on a variety of topics.
Master Food Preserver workshop
Master Food Preservers serving the community
In some areas, the MFP program has been enhanced to include nutrition and resource management education and volunteers assist OSU Extension efforts at emergency food sites (food pantries) and in schools.
Our Food Safety and Preservation Hotline
The OSU Extension Food Safety and Preservation Hotline is open from July through mid-October. Thank you to our Lane and Douglas Master Food Preserver Volunteers for responding to over 500 calls in 2023.
Our experts in food safety and preservation are available to respond to your questions online at Ask Extension.
Master Food Preserver Training Courses
The Master Food Preserver volunteer training is offered annually in a hybrid format that includes online lectures, homework assignments, and in-person labs. Because the training requires supervised lab work, not every county is currently able to support the training.