Food Preservation & Food Safety Classes
MSU Extension offers high-quality, affordable programs that help Michigan residents learn the importance of safe food and water in their everyday lives. Our research-based programs help food handlers learn safe food-preservation skills and techniques.
A safe food and water supply is at the heart of healthy communities. Michigan State University Extension’s team of dedicated food safety experts can help you — whether you’re looking for evidence-based recipes for canning seasonal produce or you’re an entrepreneur looking to safely launch your Cottage Food business or even cooking for large groups as a volunteer.
Among other offerings, MSU Extension also has experts to help food pantry staff keep their goods and to guide families on how to protect food supply during natural disasters and emergencies. For more information, visit our For Food Pantries website and our Food Safety During Emergencies website.
Have a question?
Not sure if the food in your fridge is safe after a power outage? Do you have questions about safely preserving food at home? Whatever your question, MSU Extension’s food safety experts can help. Call our Food Safety Hotline at 1-877-643-9882, Monday-Friday from 9AM to 5PM, EST.
- New classes added every month! Click here to see what's coming next!
Check out our upcoming classes!
Food Entrepreneur Business Workshops in Spanish: Creating multiple revenue streams for your business
July 7, 2026, 5 p.m., - 6:30 p.m.
Battle Creek Food Reimagined, 50 Jackson St. W. in Battle Creek
Discover new opportunities for growth. Learn how to generate revenue through catering, food trucks, wholesale sales, events, cooking classes and other income streams.
ServSafe Manager Training and Certification Exam - Macomb County - July 14, 2026
July 14, 2026, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
MSU Extension office at the Thompson Community Center - 11370 Hupp Avenue, Room 109, Warren, MI 48089
MSU Extension offers 8-hour ServSafe® training, which is a national certification program. This class is designed for anyone working in the food service industry, including non-profit organizations.
Learn more here!
Serving Up Food Safety
Online, Free Sessions
Click here to see a calendar of upcoming classes.
Home Food Preservation
A FREE online, self-paced course
Michigan State University Extension's Online Home Food Preservation self-paced course covers a variety of topics including freezing, water bath canning, pressure canning, dehydrating and more. Using up-to-date research based methods, the MSU Extension Food Safety team provides food preservation education, techniques and resources that will give participants knowledge to safely preserve foods at home. This self-paced course is designed to be taken at your own pace and allows you to learn about the preserving methods you are interested in.
To learn more and to register, visit: Online Home Food Preservation - Home Food Preservation
Preserving MI Harvest
Online, Free Sessions
Learn the latest methods and research for preserving foods at home. Let us help you fill your pantry and freezer by preserving food safely at home.
To see a list of upcoming classes, visit Events - Home Food Preservation
Michigan Cottage Food Law
A FREE online, self-paced course
Learn how to safely prepare and sell allowable foods to the public made in home kitchens. The Michigan Cottage Food Law workshop reviews the food safety aspects and guidelines of preparing and selling cottage foods. The MSU Product Center joins us to cover the business aspects of the Cottage Food Law. A Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Inspector will be available for the Q&A portion of this workshop.
To learn more and to register for the online, self-paced course, visit: https://www.canr.msu.edu/cottage_food_law/online-michigan-cottage-food-law
Moving Beyond Cottage Food
Free online article
Entrepreneurs and cottage food operators can learn basic knowledge to guide them in the right direction for becoming a licensed food operator and Moving Beyond Cottage Foods.
To learn more and to register, visit: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/moving-beyond-cottage-food
Selling Michigan Honey & Maple Syrup Safely
Food safety is key to successfully selling honey and maple syrup in Michigan. Learn how to safely handle, package and store honey and maple syrup, and understand the exemption guidelines for selling these products in Michigan. Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development allows for collection and production of honey and maple syrup that can be sold without a license, and there is an expectation that this is done safely. Personal hygiene, food safe containers, storage, cleaning and sanitizing methods, and MDARD’s exemption guidelines are topics covered on this workshop.
To learn more and to register, visit: https://events.anr.msu.edu/SyrupHoney/
Guidance for Food Handlers and the Management of Halal Food
Halal Food training is for food handlers and educators with responsibilities related to nutrition and food. Key concepts of what food is considered halal and how to preserve the integrity of this food is covered in this training. Participants will increase their knowledge and confidence in how to properly handle halal food for consumers requiring a halal diet and will be able to incorporate with relevant food safety knowledge.
To learn more and to register, visit: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/guidance-for-food-handlers-on-themanagement-of-halal-food
Cooking for Crowds
Online/In-person
A volunteer’s guide to food safety. Cooking for Crowds classes educate volunteers who offer food fundraisers and events such as dinners and bake sales. A $15 registration fee includes the online training along with a food safety manual.
To learn more visit: https://www.canr.msu.edu/cooking_for_crowds/index
ServSafe®
In-person
Earn ServSafe® Manager certification with help from MSU Extension. ServSafe® is a national food safety certification program. This class is designed for anyone working in the foodservice industry, including non-profit organizations. MSU Extension offers an 8-hour ServSafe® training and exam proctoring, with a class fee of $75. MSU Extension will also be offering proctoring of the ServSafe® Manager Certification Exam by appointment.
Contact your local MSU Extension Food Safety staff for more information or for a list of upcoming classes, visit: https://www.canr.msu.edu/servsafe/events
Dial Gauge Pressure Canner Testing
Contact your local MSU Extension Office to schedule an appointment to have your dial gauge pressure canner tested.
Find your local County MSU Extension office at https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/county