Nonprofit, volunteer-run groups that prepare food to be served or sold to the public must be sure that the food is safe and of high quality.

Food that is not prepared safely may lead to a foodborne outbreak resulting in serious illness or even death for some individuals.

In addition to personal suffering, foodborne illness can lead to expensive medical bills, lawsuits, and loss of good reputation and business.

To help organizations provide safe food, Penn State Cooperative Extension of Butler County and St. Ferdinand Roman Catholic Church in Cranberry Township is offering the workshop, “Cooking for Crowds: A Volunteer’s Guide to Safe Food Handling.”

Participants will learn up-to-date methods for safely handling and preparing food for large groups.

The workshop is appropriate for nonprofit providers such as churches, fire companies, schools and civic groups.

The “Cooking for Crowds” workshop will be offered from 7 to 9:30 p.m. May 10 at St. Ferdinand’s Oldenski Hall, 2535 Rochester Road in Cranberry. The cost is $3 per person. “Cooking for Crowds” manuals can be purchased for $9.

To register, contact the Extension office at 724-774-3003. You can also download a brochure at http://beaver.extension.psu.edu.

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.