Our Mission:
“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.”
Volunteers for the UC Master Food Preserver Program improve the health and well-being of California communities by extending to the residents of California research-based knowledge and information. This education and extension work is guided by the core values of the UC Master Food Preserver Program and the strategic goals of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR).
Volunteer Role:
- Provide public education about food safety and preservation and related topics by telephone; at clinics; via demonstrations, workshops, or informal classes; or in other ways, as possible and practical.
- Cooperate with, assist, and serve at the direction of local UC academics and staff.
- Keep appropriate records, such as volunteer hours, public contacts, client questions, and contact data.
- Participate in continuing education on topics relevant to UC food preservation educators, including experiential education methods, and emerging issues in home and community food safety.
- Disseminate information via print and electronic outlets (social media, newsletters, radio shows, etc.
Volunteer Commitments:
- Completion of a county-specific or statewide hybrid training program, followed by a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer hours during year one. In subsequent years, a volunteer must complete at least 25 volunteer hours and 12 continuing-education hours.
- Adherence at all times to the UC ANR Adult Volunteer Code of Conduct, UC Master Gardener (& Master Food Preserver) Program Policy Manual, and UC Non-discrimination Policy.
- Ability to effectively communicate with the public and fellow UC personnel by telephone, email, personal contact, group contact, and so on.
- Demonstrate willingness to utilize technology to reach the public and fellow volunteers.
- Demonstrate commitment to diversity and to ensuring equal opportunity for those wishing to benefit from UC programs and services.
- Exhibit a strong desire to learn and share research-based information with others.
- Willingly complete a criminal background check (Department of Justice Livescan).
Volunteer Supervision:
UC academics and staff with responsibility for local and statewide UC Master Food Preserver Program delivery provide supervision to UC Master Food Preserver volunteers. Immediate supervision and support may also be provided by a program assistant or office manager, if available.