Central Oregon Master Food Preserver Volunteer Training Program

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Master Food Preservers (MFPs) are trained and certified community volunteers who assist the Oregon State University Extension Service in their efforts to provide up-to-date food safety and preservation information to Oregonians.

What benefits do MFPs receive from the program?

• A rigorous and comprehensive training program that is hands-on and appropriate for people with differing educational backgrounds and levels of food safety/preservation experience.
• Updated information on the latest research in the area of food safety and preservation.
• Skills development; working with the public, teaching classes, public, speaking, marketing and promotion, coordinating events.
• Contribute to the health and welfare of community residents as the share their expertise in the areas of food safety/preservation.
• An opportunity to be part of a group of dedicated individuals who are very supportive and caring for one another.

What Services do MFPs provide?

• Conduct food safety/preservation workshops and demonstrations.
• Staff food safety/preservation information and resource booths at fairs, festivals, farmer’s markets and community gardens.
• Assist with marketing and promotion, distribution of materials, preparing displays.
• Mentor new MFP Volunteers.
• Teach food resource management skills at community gardens/kitchens and food pantries.

What is required of an MFP Volunteer?

• Interest in gaining expertise in the area of food safety/preservation.
• Experience and ability to interact with a variety of people in a positive manner.
• Public speaking experience (preferred).
• Participation in a comprehensive, hands-on training program. Attendance at all sessions required.
• Successful passage of a Certification Exam.
• Completion of 44 hours of volunteer service during the current preserving season, usually by November of the training year.
• Participation in at least three monthly meetings during the food preservation season. The agenda includes event planning, training and updates, usually held the 2nd Thursday of the month.

How long am I committed to the program?

Completion of 44 hours of volunteer service is required during the current preserving season. However, a willingness to commit beyond one year is highly desirable in order to sustain/maintain the program. Volunteers who remain active beyond one year fulfill valuable leadership roles and serve as mentors to newer volunteers. Ongoing training and recertification is required to ensure all volunteers remain current on the important concepts taught through the MFP Program and to remain certified as an MFP.

What is involved in the Application Process?

• Complete the Application and participate in an interview facilitated by supervising faculty.
• Two satisfactory reference checks.
• Space is limited. Selection is based on requirements listed above; not on a first-come, first served basis.
• Payment of a $75 material/lab fee to help cover training costs.

Application must be received by 5 p.m. Friday, March 1, 2024.

You may submit your application:

1. In-person to the OSU Extension Office, located at Deschutes County Fairgrounds, Parking Lot H and J, Redmond, OR during business hours of 8 AM – 5 PM.
2. US Mail to 3800 SW Airport Way, Building 4, Redmond, OR 97756.
3. Email to [email protected]

What are the dates for the MFP Volunteer Training Program?

Eight six-hour workshops will be held, followed by monthly update sessions through the year. Volunteers must attend all of the eight training sessions to qualify for the program, pass an open book certification exam, attend 3 monthly MFP meetings and complete the required 44 hours of volunteer service to qualify for the MFP Volunteer Certification.

The MFP Volunteer Training will be held at the OSU Extension/Deschutes County office inside the Fairgrounds, in Parking Lot H and J on the dates and times listed on the Class Schedule below:

2024 Class Schedule

• Session 1: Tuesday, April 2, 9 AM – 3 PM
• Session 2: Tuesday, April 9, 9 AM – 3 PM
• Session 3: Tuesday, April 16, 9 AM – 3 PM
• Session 4: Tuesday, April 23, 9 AM – 3 PM
• Session 5: Tuesday, April 30, 9 AM – 3 PM
• Session 6: Tuesday, May 7, 9 AM – 3 PM
• Session 7: Tuesday, May 14, 9 AM – 3 PM
• Session 8: Tuesday, May 21, 9 AM – 3 PM
• MFP Judge's Training (optional): Tuesday, June 4 , 9 AM – noon
• MFP Season Kickoff & Potluck: Thursday, June 13, 9 AM – 12:30 PM
• MFP Update/Training: Thursday (2nd), July-October, 9 - 11 AM (Usually)