The UC Master Food Preserver Program is dedicated to promoting food safety and encouraging a love for preserving food among youth. Engaging with young people is a part of our mission, and we are committed to ensuring these interactions follow UC ANR policy and are safe, educational, and enriching.

Policy Overview

UC Master Food Preserver volunteers are encouraged to work with youth but must adhere to specific guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants. The key policies are as follows:

1. Partnership requirement:
   • All youth projects must be conducted in partnership with schools, parents, 4-H, CalFresh, or other youth-focused programs or organizations.
   • UC Master Food Preserver volunteers should never be responsible for youth; a partner organization or adult guardian must have responsibility for the care and custody of youth.
2. Project approval:
   • Projects involving youth must be approved by the UC Master Food Preserver coordinator.
3. Supervision:
   • A teacher, principal, parent, 4-H personnel, EFNEP or CalFresh Health Educator must be present at all times during youth activities.
   • UC Master Food Preserver volunteers must never be alone with or responsible for the care or custody of youth at any time.

How to Get Involved

Getting involved with youth-focused projects through the UC Master Food Preserver Program is a rewarding experience that can inspire and educate the next generation. Follow these steps to ensure a successful and compliant program:

1. Identify a partner:
   • Connect with schools, parents, 4-H clubs, EFNEP, CalFresh, or other youth-focused organizations to find potential partnerships.
2. Develop a project plan:
   • Create a detailed plan outlining the project goals, activities, and the roles of all involved parties.
3. Get approval:
   • Submit your project plan to the UC Master Food Preserver coordinator for approval.
4. Ensure supervision:
   • Coordinate with your partner organization to ensure a responsible adult is present during all activities.

Example Projects

Jr Jams & Jellies:
Host jam and jelly making sessions with community youth to enter into the county fair.

Farm/Ag Day:
Partner with the Farm Bureau or Ag Department as they host events for youth.

Partnership projects:
Support fellow statewide programs such as CalFresh Healthy Living and 4-H clubs in developing food preservation projects.

Contact Us

If you are interested in working with youth through the UC Master Food Preserver Program or have questions about our policies and procedures, please contact:

Sue Mosbacher
Program Manager
smosbacher@ucanr.edu
530-621-5543

Thank you for your dedication to making a positive impact on the youth in our community!