Free Food Preserving Training Is Offered

If you like preserving food and enjoy sharing experiences with others, why not become a Master Food Preserver Volunteer? Volunteers who are accepted for the Master Food Preserver Training Program will receive 40 hours of training in up-to-date techniques for canning, freezing, pickling and drying of fruits and vegetables.

Classes will be held each Thursday for 10 weeks, beginning March 6, at 2615 S. Grand Ave., Suite 400, Los Angeles. Application deadline is Feb. 14. Class size is limited to 35 volunteers. There will be a $15 fee to cover cost of a manual. To request an application form, call the Common Ground Garden Program at (213) 744-4341.

Volunteers who successfully complete training will be awarded Master Food Preserver certificates by the University of California Cooperative Extension, Common Ground Garden Program. Master Food Preservers are expected to donate at least 40 hours of their time during the next 12 months for work on community service projects that teach and demonstrate effective food preserving methods.

The Common Ground Garden Program is sponsored by the University of California Extension. Programs are offered to interested persons regardless of age, sex, ethnic background or physical disability.