Robyn Barker, a volunteer with the University of California Master Food Preserver Online Delivery Program, described her experiences and motivations in a statement released on April 11. Barker highlighted how living in California has shaped her appreciation for food, gardening, and seasonality.
Barker said that the abundance of fresh produce available year-round allows Californians to experience food as more than just sustenance but also as a reflection of place and climate. She contrasted this with her upbringing in Ohio, where preserving food was necessary due to seasonal scarcity.
After earning a law degree from the University of California and practicing law for ten years, Barker followed her husband’s career abroad before returning to Moraga in 2016. There she became involved with the UC Master Gardener program and later joined the UC Master Food Preserver Online Delivery Program. “Through that program, I both educate the public on research-based, sustainable gardening practices and apply those principles at home,” Barker said.
Barker’s involvement includes presenting programs on topics such as fruit leather, pickled mushrooms, apple chutney, and public food-preservation education. She emphasized building connections with other volunteers while sharing safe preservation methods online.
The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), which manages these programs as part of the University of California system’s Cooperative Extension services according to its official website, secures funding through public contributions to support its initiatives. UC ANR promotes sustainable practices aimed at strengthening resilient ecosystems and economic vitality according to its official website. The organization utilizes nine research and extension centers representing diverse ecosystems across California according to its official website.
UC ANR is recognized for linking research directly to community needs according to its official website. Each year it conducts over 33,800 educational events and engages more than 18,400 volunteers in various initiatives according to its official website.
Reflecting on her journey back to California after years abroad, Barker said she values opportunities for continued learning while helping others make informed choices about growing and preserving their own food.