Idaho Master Food Preserver Information

Eight Master Food Preservers (also known as Master Food Safety Advsiors) from Idaho shared their experiences with us. The information below is a composite of their answers to the interview questions.

What exactly is a Master Food Preserver?
A volunteer who has attended 6 weeks of classes taught by trained food safety faculty of the University of Idaho Extension program in order to be certified to educate others in food safety, food preparation and preservation, and food-related emergency preparedness. They have passed the final test and completed the required 30 hours of volunteer work in the community in their first year. After that, they are required to complete 20 hours of volunteer work each year.

Who do you recommend to become an MFP?
Someone who loves food and is interested in food safety. It's important to have good people skills, be willing to work with anyone, and be able to explain information clearly. An MFP needs to have the time to complete the volunteer hours required and the desire to give back to the community.

What is enjoyable to you about being a Master Food Preserver?
Ongoing monthly trainings on a wide variety of topics; knowing how to preserve food that is safe for me and my family and feeling knowledgeable to share safety information with others; friendships with other volunteers; doing the volunteer work itself; networking with other preserving "foodies."

Did it lead to a paying job or a volunteer job for you?
For all, it is a volunteer job.

Where can someone get more information about the U. of Idaho Extension Master Food Preserver program?
Look in the newspaper; watch the website for signup times; the Western Idaho Fair; visiting the extension office; a flyer in the library.

This link will take you to the U. of Idaho Extension Master Food Preserver webpage.