Learn the art and science of food preservation

Posted

By Terry Schaaf

Special to The SUN

The Southwest Region County Extension Offices (Archuleta, Montezuma and La Plata counties) are recruiting volunteers to will attend in-depth training sessions on food safety and food preservation and who, after training, will share their knowledge by volunteering in the community.

Extensions officials are excited about offering the Master Food Safety Advisor program for people who have an interest in food safety and food science, or those who love to cook or preserve food.

Colorado State University Extension in Archuleta County is offering intensive training in Pagosa Springs on food safety and prevention of foodborne illness, methods of canning, pickling, freezing and dehydrating. Master Food Safety Advisors must apply for selection to be in the program, must attend all trainings, work cooperatively with other volunteers and give a minimum of 40 hours of service to the community, sharing their knowledge and teaching others.

The Master Food Safety Advisor program is being offered in order to expand CSU Extension’s capabilities in the southwest part of the state to provide the public with research-based information from Colorado State University and USDA by trained volunteers. Experiences for volunteers include answering consumer phone calls, providing information at local farmers markets, fairs, or supermarkets, conducting presentations and workshops for community groups and schools, preparing educational displays, and writing articles for newsletters and newspapers

Training will be conducted Oct. 22-25, at the Archuleta County CSU Extension Office, 344 U.S. 84.

Openings in the Master Food Safety Advisor program are limited. The cost of the training is $125, with a commitment of 40 hours of volunteer service.

Contact Terry Schaaf at 264-5931 with questions or to receive an application.