Do you enjoy preserving food - canning, drying, pickling and freezing? The University of California Cooperative Extension office is offering the Master Food Preserver Program. Similar to Master Gardeners, the Master Food Preservers will be a group of trained, dedicated volunteers who will help educate the public about food safety and home food preservation using approved methods.

Classes meet at the Eureka Northcoast Co-op on Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., beginning Saturday, Feb. 2, and going through March 30.

There is also an informational meeting for applicants on Tuesday, Jan. 8, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Ag Center in Eureka. Fee for the training is $150, and includes a book and training manual. Space is limited and the application deadline is Jan. 2. Applications and more information is available on the UCCE Humboldt website at http://cehumboldt.ucdavis.edu/Plant_Science/Master_Food_Preserver/

This program is offered by the University of California Cooperative Extension office with generous support from the Northcoast Co-op Eureka Community Kitchen, as well as many other businesses in the community. Questions? Call Deborah Giraud, farm advisor at 445-7351.