Penn State Cooperative Extension will hold several workshops focused on food safety in May.

All of the programs will be held at the Butler Extension Office in the Sunnyview Home complex. A brief description of each workshop, along with registration information follows.

• Cooking for Crowds — Learn how to plan and conduct a safe and successful food event for your organization from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 7.

The program covers topics such as how food becomes unsafe, preparation practices to keep food safe, and purchasing and storing food and supplies. The program is geared toward volunteers and is accepted by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture for the legal operations of nonprofit organizations.

To register, contact the Butler County Extension office no later than Friday at 724-287-4761, Ext. 222. The registration fee of $20 includes a copy of “Cooking for Crowds” and food safety posters for your organization.

• Food Safety Certification Training for Food Employees — The state Department of Agriculture requires the “person in charge” in a food service operation to hold a “nationally recognized food protection certificate” such as ServSafe®. Additionally, all individuals seeking food safety certification are required to pass a certification exam every five years.

The ServSafe® course, conducted by Penn State Extension, will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 15 and May 22 at the Butler Extension office. The course is for individuals seeking initial food safety certification or who would like to renew their certification. Participants must attend all sessions on both days of the class to complete the course.

At the end of the course, participants will take a multiple choice exam. A score of 75 percent or higher is required to receive the ServSafe® certificate that meets the agriculture department’s requirements for food safety certification.

For more information and to register for the ServSafe® program, call 877-489-1398. The fee for the course covers the cost of the ServSafe® Essentials book, learning materials, the exam and light refreshments.

• Canning Workshop — A home food preservation workshop, covering the basic principles of canning, freezing, and dehydrating will be held from 5 to 8:30 p.m. May 22.

The registration fee of $20 includes Penn State’s “Let’s Preserve” fact sheets. Seating is limited. Call 724-287-4761, Ext. 222 to reserve a spot.

Penn State encourages individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing special accommodations for any of these workshops or have questions about the physical access provided, contact the Extension office at 724-287-4761 in advance of your visit.

This material is submitted by Donna Zang, extension director, and the staff of the Penn State Extension office at the Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center complex.