Branch County Michigan State University Extension

08/31/2026

08/25/2026

Safe Food Handling for Food Donations: ADVANCED Training (Online, Free Session)
This training, covers the legal aspects of liability, the types of food to accept for donation, storage conditions for food, the management of pests, understanding food recalls, transportation of donated food, staff and volunteer management, and emergency and food defense plans.
• Sept. 22, 6 p.m. EDT
• Oct. 14, 1 p.m. EDT

To learn more and to register, visit: https://www.canr.msu.edu/safe_food_water/events

08/25/2026

Safe Food = Healthy Kids (Online, Free Session)
Safe Food = Healthy Kids is an interactive workshop designed for childcare providers. Learn what the best practices are for food safety to help keep kids safe.
• Oct. 27, 6 p.m. EDT
• Nov. 16 & 17 (2 part class) 1 p.m. EST
• Dec. 7, 6 p.m. EST

To learn more and to register, visit: https://www.canr.msu.edu/safe_food_healthy_kids/

08/25/2026

Moving Beyond Cottage Food (Online, Free Session)
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.
• Sept. 14, 2 p.m. EDT
• Nov. 9, 6 p.m. EST

To learn more and to register, visit: https://www.canr.msu.edu/cottage_food_law/events

08/25/2026

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.
• Dec. 2, 3 p.m. EST

To learn more and to register, visit: https://www.canr.msu.edu/safe_food_water/events

08/25/2026

Michigan Cottage Food Law (Online, Free Sessions)
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.
• Sept. 23, 6 pm EDT
• Oct. 15, 10 am EDT
• Nov. 2, 2 pm EST
• Dec. 7, 6 pm EST

To learn more and to register, visit: https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/michigan-cottage-food

08/25/2026

Serving Up Food Safety (Online, Free Sessions)
Mondays – 12 p.m.
Join MSU Extension food safety educators as they dive into food safety topics each week and answer your questions.
• Sept. 14, 2026 - As seen on tv- Is it Safe?
You can do more with squash than just zucchini bread! Explore simple, delicious ways to use and preserve zucchini and other types of squash.
• Sept. 21, 2026 - From Orchard to Oven: Pie Fillings in a Jar
Get ready to preserve pie fillings from the harvest season with research-based recipes and learn about the differences in clear gels.
• Sept. 28, 2026 - Preserving Homemade Jerky
Learn safe ways to make great-tasting jerky from your own harvested wild-game or meat you get from the store.

To learn more and to register, visit: www.canr.msu.edu/events/serving-up-food-safety2026

08/25/2026

Preserving MI Harvest (Online, Free Sessions)
Thursdays – 1 p.m. & 6 p.m.
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.
• Sept. 17, 2026- It's Sauerkraut Season! Let's Ferment!
Making batches of Sauerkraut is a tradition for many families. Join us to learn proper techniques to prepare cabbage, ferment and process this delicious product.
• Sept. 24, 2026 - Pickling and Preserving What's Left in the Garden
As gardens wind down, learn how to maximize what's left in the garden by pickling, canning and freezing fall produce.

To learn more and to register, visit: https://www.canr.msu.edu/food_preservation/events

08/25/2026

Serving Up Food Safety Monday Aug. 31st – 12 p.m.
Too Much Squash? We’ve Got You Covered!
You can do more with squash than just zucchini bread! Explore simple, delicious ways to use and preserve zucchini and other types of squash.
www.canr.msu.edu/events/serving-up-food-safety2026

08/25/2026

Your Health, Your Choice
Thursday from 10:00-11:00 AM ET
September 10, 2026
Registration link: https://pears.io/events/msuext/9266/

Living with a chronic condition can be challenging, but it doesn't have to define your future. You may have more control over your health than you realize. Join us for a 30-minute informational session about programs offered by Michigan State University (MSU) Extension that can help you maintain control over the areas of your life that can impact your health.