DATE: 4/11/05

CONTACT: Sue Hovey; (864) 427-6259

WRITER: Diane Palmer, (864) 656-4741

Clemson Extension offers Master Food Volunteer training

UNION – “We expect the food we buy in the grocery store or restaurant to be safe,” said Sue Hovey, Clemson Extension agent in Union County. “We should also expect the food we can or freeze to be safe.”

Clemson Extension is offering a Master Food Volunteer Course to make sure participants know how to can and freeze foods safely and will be able to train others.

The first class will begin Monday, May 16, 6 p.m., at the Clemson Extension Service, 120 Kirby St., Union. A total of 10 classes will be offered. There will be two classes that fall on a holiday. Those classes will be held on Tuesdays evenings.

The course is designed for anyone who is interested in canning, freezing and other food safety topics. It is limited to the first 15 participants, and the deadline to register is May 2.

“Everyone is invited to attend, including people in surrounding counties,” said Hovey.

Cost of course materials is $60 and includes a large notebook and the cookbook So Easy to Preserve (a $15 value). Class members will have discussions during class and will be expected to complete homework assignments.

The Master Food Volunteer Course is similar to the Master Gardener Course. Participants who successfully finish the course are expected to donate 30 hours of volunteer time in exchange for this in-depth training.

For more information call Sue Hovey at (864) 427-6259.

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