Online Delivery Program's 2026 Training

2026 Training Program Overview

Why Join Us?

• Share research-based education through online classes, newsletters, social media, and a helpline.
• Receive advanced training in safety preparing, preserving, and storing food in the home.
• Work with a passionate team dedicated to community health.
  

Who Should Join?

• People with a commitment to community service.
• People who have public-speaking experience.
• People who are interested in home food preservation.
• People who are comfortable using online tools.

How ODP Differs from County Programs

• ODP MFPs must be residents of California counties without a local UC Master Food Preserver program.
  • Eligible counties are: Alameda, Alpine, Butte, Contra Costa, Glenn, Imperial, Kern, Kings, Lake, Los Angeles, Marin, Mendocino, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Placer, San Benito, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Stanislaus, and Ventura.
• All ODP programs for the public are online only (no in-person public events).
• Because of the conditions of our USDA grant, the ODP does not teach classes on dairy, meat, or sourdough.
• The ideal volunteer enjoys learning and teaching online, is comfortable presenting to the public via Zoom, and collaborates well in a virtual team.
• Desired technical skills include:
  • Zoom skills (hosting, screen sharing, managing breakout rooms)
  • Collaborative work and presentation tools (e.g., Docs/Word, Slides/PowerPoint, Sheets/Excel)
  • Email and online communication tools
  • (Optional but helpful) basic photo or video editing for class and social media content

Application Steps

1. Attend or watch the recorded information meeting and then one of three Q&A sessions. Recordings of each session will be available for those experiencing extenuating circumstances.
   • Register here: https://link.ucanr.edu/mfp-infomtg. 

Thu, Sept 18, 2025: Live Information Meeting/Q&A, 6:30–7:30 PM - Watch the recorded information meeting here
Fri, Oct 3, 2025: Q&A Session, 12:00–1:00 PM (attend/watch the 9/18 meeting first)
Fri, Oct 17, 2025: Q&A Session, 2:00–3:00 PM (attend/watch the 9/18 meeting first)
Thu, Nov 20, 2025: Q&A Session, 6:30–7:30 PM (attend/watch the 9/18 meeting first)  

2. Submit your application online by Nov. 23, 2025 (11:59 PM PST).                        
3. Complete an interview with the volunteer committee, interviews to be held between December 1 - December 14, 2025.
   • The interview process includes a short teaching demonstration by the applicant. 

If accepted, you will be expected to:

• Pay the non-refundable $150 training fee (covers class and lab materials) by Dec. 15, 2025.
• Complete Live Scan fingerprinting by Feb. 13, 2026, unless already cleared as a UC volunteer (e.g., Master Gardener certification).
• Attend 13 online classes (Thurs. evenings or Fri. afternoons). Habitually missing classes will prevent you from completing the program.
• Complete the reading and assigned “homework”. Review assignments with your assigned mentor.
• Attend all 3 in-person labs, offered on alternate weekends at the UC Davis Carlos Alvarez Food Innovation Lab and the USC Hillel Jewish Center.
• Attend at least one online class hosted by the UC Master Food Preserver Online Delivery Program by April 24, 2026. 
  
• Deliver a final student presentation and pass the final exam.
• Volunteer at least 50 hours the first year, then complete annual continuing education, volunteer hours, and reappointment tests in subsequent years.

Training Schedule (Jan–Jun 2026)

Dates and topics are subject to change. Online classes are hosted by the statewide UC Master Food Preserver program; in-person labs are run by our ODP volunteers and provide hands-on experience guided by experienced volunteers.