The UC Master Food Preserver Program of Mariposa County is now planning for our next volunteer training class, beginning in January 2027. We invite Mariposa residents to apply to join our team of community educators!
What are Master Food Preservers?
Master Food Preservers are volunteer educators with the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Division. As a certified volunteer, you will:
- Teach your community safe, research-based food preservation
- Lead hands-on workshops in canning, pickling, fermenting, and more
- Staff booths at farmers markets, fairs, and community events
What You'll Learn
- How to safely preserve your harvest: canning, fermenting, and pickling techniques
- Food safety and shelf-stable storage using USDA-approved recipes and resources
- Hands-on practice with real equipment
Who Can Apply?
- Residency: Applications are accepted from Mariposa County residents.
- Technology: Applicants must be comfortable using a computer and accessing the internet. Class lessons, quizzes, and homework are online; class communication is via email.
- Availability: This will be a hybrid training program with lab classes held in Mariposa County.
Get on the Interest List
Applications will be available in Fall 2026. To be notified when applications open, fill out our interest form — no commitment required.
You can also request a paper application at any of our events or contact our office during business hours.
UCCE Mariposa Office
5009 Fairgrounds Rd
Mariposa, CA 95338
Phone: 209-966-2417
Email: mrygiol@ucanr.edu
Web: cemariposa.ucanr.edu
Selection & Training Process
What We Will Do:
- Review applicants via interviews. Main criteria for acceptance:
- Prior community service.
- Experience teaching (presentations, writing, or one-on-one).
- Experience or interest in home food preservation.
- Request a DOJ Clearance, including fingerprinting.
- Teach you how to preserve food successfully using scientifically researched home processes.
- Teach you how to educate our community about safe home food preservation.
- Provide you with volunteer and continuing education opportunities.
Requirements for Certification
If Accepted, You Will Be Required To:
- Pay the course fee by the due date.
- Complete online classwork by specified dates and attend in-person, hands-on labs on several Saturdays a month.
- Complete the Live Scan fingerprinting process.
- Attend monthly program business meetings (currently held online via Zoom).
- Attend at least one public class hosted by a UC Master Food Preserver Program (either in person or online) as part of your training.
- Complete 50 volunteer hours between January 1, 2027 and June 30, 2028.
- To remain active thereafter, you will be asked to complete 25 volunteer hours and 12 continuing education hours each year (July 1 to June 30).
- Pass an annual food safety reappointment quiz and complete reappointment paperwork.
Class Format & Locations
Online Learning: Lectures and classwork will be provided in an online format to be completed at home.
In-Person Labs: Hands-on labs will be held in Mariposa County. Students must be willing to attend a lab several times per year during the training class.