SKOWHEGAN — Applications are now available for the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Master Food Preserver Volunteer program. The program trains volunteers to deliver UMaine Extension’s education programs in food preservation to adults and youth in the community.
The program consists of eight in-person classes: two workshops at the Somerset County Extension office on June 18 and Aug. 25, and six hands-on kitchen labs held at Skowhegan High School on Tuesdays between June 23 and Aug. 18 from 1–4:30 p.m. Participants will learn various food preservation techniques, including canning, drying, freezing, freeze drying, fermenting and winter storage, as well as important food safety information.
The Master Food Preserver Volunteer program is open to any Maine resident 18 years or older. Upon successful completion of the program, volunteers will serve as valuable resources in the community, providing research-based information from UMaine, Extension and U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Class size is limited. Interested individuals are required to fill out an application on the program webpage. The application deadline is May 1 by 4:30 p.m. Participants will be informed of their selection status during the last week of May.
The fee for the Master Food Preserver Volunteer program is $325 upon acceptance. Limited financial assistance is available. Requests for a printed copy of the application form can be made by contacting extension.rlreception@maine.edu or 207-781-6099.
For more information and a detailed schedule, please visit the program webpage. To request a reasonable accommodation, contact Kathy Savoie at ksavoie@maine.edu, 207-781-6099 or 1.800-287-1471 (in Maine).