Inyo and Mono Counties offers training classes on even-numbered years. We typically offer a hybrid learning program with online lectures and activities combined with local lab work.
The goal of the training program is to educate volunteers in food safety and core food preservation techniques, so they can teach the general public how to safely preserve food short-term and long-term at home.
MFP is a volunteer program so our goal with the training is not just to educate participants in the training on research-based preservation, but also to create volunteers who will extend this knowledge in the Eastern Sierra.
Training Class Information
Note: Applications for the 2026 training class are now closed.
Our course usually collaborates with the statewide MFP training program with local lab activities.
Listed below are some relevant facts about the training program that are fairly consistent over each training class.
- The training program is a combination of pre-recorded videos, online quizzes, reading assignments, case studies completed with a mentor, interactive online classes, and in-person labs held in Bishop, CA.
- The interactive live classes are offered twice a week per topic, typically Thursday evenings or Friday afternoons.
- Training topics include:
- Food safety
- Equipment
- Boiling water and pressure canning
- Canning jams and jellies
- High acid foods
- Low acid foods
- Pickling
- Dehydration
- Freezing and refrigeration
- Teaching and program implementation
- Applicants must be available to attend the online classes and in-person classes.
- Applicants must be comfortable using a variety of online platforms, including Zoom, Google Workspace, etc. Quizzes and homework are hosted on Google Classroom; class communication is via email.
- Accepted applicants must be fingerprinted for DOJ clearance in California.
Program FAQs
Our organization is completely run by volunteers dedicated to safe food preservation practices. We're always interested in finding new members! While we offer public workshops throughout the year, we only offer the training for new volunteers every other year. We encourage you to attend our workshops, but if you have questions about joining us, most will be answered in our FAQ linked below. Contact us if you have more questions at immg@ucanr.edu.