What is a Master Food Preserver (MFP)?
Certified Extension Volunteer that works to extend Clemson Extension’s food preservation educational programs to adults and youth. The MFP serves as a resource to the community to provide research-based non-bias information from Clemson Cooperative Extension Service and USDA.
Who should apply?
South Carolina residents with experience in food preservation and the desire to teach and work with others in canning within the fields of: water bath/steam canning, pressure canning, freezing and dehydrating.
Why become a Master Food Preserver?
It's a great way to contribute to your community. As a Master Food Preserver, you get to meet and work with a group of passionate gardeners, hobbyists, and food enthusiasts.
Being a Master Food Preserver is an excellent way to learn and stay up-to-date on the latest preserving methods and issues in food safety.
The Master Food Preserver volunteer training is divided into two segments.
Segment one is an 8-week online self-pace study of instruction.
Class will open on Monday, October 14th.
Segment two is service, beginning with a 2-day intensive, scheduled for Thursday, January 30th (8 hours) & Friday, January 31st, 2025 (7 hours) in West Columbia, SC.
Both segments are required to receive a certificate of completion.
Instruction:
Participants receive at least 30 hours of intensive, practical food preservation during the Master Food Preserver Training (MFPT).
Topics covered in the MFPT include:
- Basics to Preserving/Food Safety
- Water Bath Canning
- Steam Canning
- Pressure Canning
- Jams, Jellies, & Soft Spreads
- Pickling
- Drying
- Freezing
- Fermentation
Service:
Participants must volunteer at least 30 hours by August 30, 2025, to complete the program and become a "Certified South Carolina Master Food Preserver". The nature of the volunteer work may vary by county.
Examples of educational service may consist of:
- Assisting Extension Agent with food preservation workshops
- Providing information at local farmers’ markets, fairs or community events
- Preparing educational displays, writing articles for newsletters, newspapers, etc.
- Conducting presentations and workshops for community groups and schools
A criminal background check is required of all applicants.
Following the initial certification, to remain certified, there is an annual requirement of 20 hours of educational service and 10 hours of continuing education.
Registration is Closed:
Thank you for your interest in becoming a South Carolina Master Food Preserver. Although registration is closed, you can sign up to be notified when the next application cohort is open. Don’t miss your chance to become an expert in food preservation!
Complete this interest form to stay informed.
If you have questions, please contact:
Faith Isreal
803-722-1195
