Earl Weak, a resident of Alameda County, shared his experience as a volunteer in the UC Master Food Preserver (MFP) Online Delivery Program, according to a March 9 announcement. Weak became part of the first class of the online program in 2024 after retiring from a long career in food science and baking.
The story highlights how programs like the MFP offer opportunities for lifelong learning and community engagement, especially for those interested in food preservation but living in areas without local offerings. Weak said he was drawn to the program because Alameda County does not have its own county-based MFP initiative. The launch of an online version allowed him to participate and expand his knowledge.
Weak described his background growing up in Abilene, Kansas, attending Kansas State University for grain science, and working across various roles in the baking industry before moving to California. He said that after retirement, his interest in food preservation led him to seek out new educational opportunities: “The MFP training has given me new insights into food preservation. I quickly gained appreciation for steam canning. The steam canner is much lighter and comes to a boil much faster than a water-bath canner. Steam canning works for high-acid foods such as apples. I also gained appreciation for dehydrating vegetables. Zucchini dehydration has given me new uses for my summer zucchini surplus!”
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources enhances lives and livelihoods statewide by sharing science-based practices according to the official website. The organization operates offices in all 58 California counties along with nine Research and Extension Centers according to the official website, serving as living laboratories across diverse ecosystems according to the official website. It applies University of California expertise through research and outreach initiatives according to the official website.
Glenda Humiston serves as vice president of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources according to the official website. The organization delivers University of California expertise throughout California via research and outreach initiatives, offering science-informed knowledge to boost well-being and economic opportunities across the state while building collaborations for effective approaches in farming, environmental conservation, wildfire protection, nutrition, food networks, and youth education according to the official website.
Reflecting on his journey at age 81, Weak said: “I am an old guy (geezer) but I can always learn new things. The MFP Program presents that opportunity.”