Our mission
The UC Master Food Preserver Program’s mission is to keep Californians safe and well as they use culturally appropriate, research-based practices to safely preserve food in the home, reducing food waste, increasing food security, and providing engaging ways for Californians to explore healthy food.
Who we are
The UC Master Food Preserver Program of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties is part of the statewide UC Master Food Preserver Program within the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR). Our volunteers are trained by UC to share practical, science-based information about home food safety and food preservation with local communities.
Statewide, UC Master Food Preserver volunteers donate tens of thousands of hours each year to help Californians safely preserve food, reduce waste, and stretch their food dollars. Locally, our volunteers bring this mission to life through classes, demos, community partnerships, and one-on-one support in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties.
What we do
Our volunteers serve communities throughout San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties. We focus on educating people on safe food preservation using research-based methods such as canning, freezing, dehydrating, fermenting, and pickling.
Hands-on workshops
We offer workshops that introduce safe, research-based techniques for making items like jams, pickles, dehydrated fruits, fermented foods, and sourdough bread. Classes combine demonstrations, hands-on practice, and time for questions so participants leave with skills they can use at home.
Some workshops include a small fee to help cover materials, while others are free. Programs are offered in a variety of locations throughout San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties. Visit our homepage to see upcoming events and locations.
Youth and school programs
In partnership with UC CalFresh Healthy Living and local schools and libraries, we offer hands-on activities that introduce youth and families to safe food handling and simple preservation techniques. These programs encourage healthy eating habits and invite young people to try easy recipes with their families at home.
Library and community programs
We also partner with libraries and community organizations to lead short, practical demonstrations for all ages. Examples include turning seasonal fruit into healthy frozen treats or preserving garden vegetables as shelf-stable pantry staples that can be enjoyed for months.
Food bank partnerships
We collaborate with local food banks to share simple, research-based food preservation tips, recipes, and tools with community members. Our goal is to help households make the most of the food they receive, reduce spoilage, and build confidence in preparing and preserving food safely at home.
Community outreach and events
You may see UC Master Food Preservers at farmers markets, fairs, and other community events across San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties. Volunteers staff information tables, answer preservation questions, and share research-based resources so people can find trustworthy guidance when they preserve food at home.
Get involved
There are several ways to connect with the UC Master Food Preserver Program in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties:
- Attend a class or workshop: Visit our upcoming events listings to see what is scheduled.
- Explore becoming a volunteer: Anyone can apply to become a UC Master Food Preserver. The process includes an application, a fee to cover training materials, comprehensive hands-on classes, a final assessment, and a volunteer service commitment. It’s a rewarding experience and a meaningful way to serve the community. Recruitment for each new training class is typically posted in the fall—stay tuned for updates.
- Stay informed: sign up for our email list to receive updates about workshops, events, and resources.
