Alex Ryan Thompson, Food Systems and Safety Agent
2023 South Carolina Master Food Preservers and members of the Clemson Cooperative Extension Food Systems and Safety team
The first cohort of South Carolina Master Food Preservers graduated at the Philips Market Center in Columbia, South Carolina on January 24th, 2024. The South Carolina Master Food Preserver program began in Fall 2022 and aims to expand the reach of Clemson Cooperative Extension’s Food Systems and Safety team. Master Food Preservers were trained in various disciplines of food preservation including canning, dehydrating, freezing, and fermentation. Participants completed an 8-week online course, a 2-day intensive training, and completed 30 hours of volunteer service to earn the title of South Carolina Master Food Preserver. Participants assisted Clemson Cooperative Extension agents across South Carolina. Volunteer activities included assisting Food Systems and Safety agents with home food preservation workshops, participating in information booths at local farmers markets, creating instructional videos, writing articles about food preservation, judge county fair canning competitions, and many other exciting volunteer opportunities. The 2024 cohort of South Carolina Master Food Preservers have recently completed their 2-day intensive and are beginning their volunteer hours. To learn more about becoming a Master Food Preserver contact Food Systems and Safety Agent Alex Ryan Thompson by phone (864-365-0628) or email (art6@clemson.edu).
