Monica Benavides, UC Master Food Preserver Volunteer Online Program
County of residence: Santa Clara County
- When did you join the MFP Online Program?
I graduated from the 2024 Training Program run and have been volunteering since then.
- Why did you decide to join?
I always wanted to improve my food preservation skills. I've canned, pickled, and dehydrated before, but never really felt confident in doing so. I thought learning how to safely preserve food through the UC Master Food Preserve online program would help me gain the confidence I lacked. I could then in turn help others gain confidence in their preserving practices as well.
- What has been the most valuable thing you've learned in the program so far?
The most valuable thing I've learned in this program is that I can preserve food with confidence, and I can teach others to do the same. The research-based practices I have learned in this program gives me that confidence. With so many online recipes, blogs, and videos on how to preserve food, I know that when I follow a researched-backed recipe from a trusted university source, I can be confident I've feeding my family safe food. I've also learned why these practices yield safe products.
- In what ways do you/ have you contributed to the online program?
So far, my major contribution has been serving as the facilitator for our monthly program business meetings. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to help everyone's voice be heard, move the meeting along in a respectful way, as well as celebrate our accomplishments. Moving forward, I'm eager to help deliver more classes to the public. As a teacher, this is one way I can give back to others, as well as continually practice the skills I've learned.
- What advice would you have for those who may be thinking about joining?
If you're curious about the program, I would encourage you to join one of our Q&A events. You can ask about the program to see if it might be a good fit for you as well. Maybe I'll even see you there!