7 graduate from WSU Clark County Master Food Preserver program

HAZEL DELL — Seven people recently graduated from the Washington State University Clark County Master Food Preserver program, a volunteer program that trains people to work with the community on food preservation and safety. The group completed seven classes, devoting more than 50 hours between Oct. 4 and Nov. 15 on topics such as food safety and nutrition, dehydrating and freezing, canning basics, pickling; jams and jellies, and pressure canning. Following the courses, the graduates can attend fairs and events throughout Clark and Cowlitz counties to provide information about food safety. They also host lectures and canning classes at WSU Clark County Extension, 1919 N.E. 78th St., Vancouver, and provide support for a food safety and preservation help line at 564-397-5366. The program started in Seattle and Yakima County in 1976 and has since spread to other states. “The popularity of preserving your own food is making a strong comeback with people wanting to preserve the bounty from their garden, farmers market, gleaning and other sources year-round,” the organization’s website states. Find out more at extension.wsu.edu.