Cooperative Extension offers local food leader training workshops

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service is offering a series of workshops for people interested in local food systems.

The Local Food Leader Training and Certification program is intended for local food practitioners, such as food policy council members, public health professionals and master gardeners. 

The program teaches skills such as networking, evaluation techniques, inclusion and leadership. It includes certifications and continuing education unit credit, in addition to opportunities for professional development. 

The Local Food Leader 101 program is offered online on Tuesdays from 6-8 p.m. from Oct. 3 to Nov. 7. The cost is $150. The registration form is on the UAF website. 

Those who complete the workshop series can continue to the Local Food Leader Certification training, which consists of four online modules that can be completed at any time within a four-month window. These modules provide additional instruction on food system influences, impacts and engagement practices. Each module is estimated to take 10 or fewer hours to complete and includes presentations, readings, activities and quizzes. 

Participants will receive a certificate of completion when finished and may earn up to three continuing education unit credits. The cost is $350. The registration form is on the UAF website. 

Scholarships are available for both courses.

Additional program sponsors include the Alaska Department of Health, Alaska Farmers Market Association and Iowa State University Outreach. 

Contact Melissa Clampitt at mrclampitt@alaska.edu or 907-745-3551 for more information about the training, to request a scholarship application or for an accommodation request related to a disability. Disability requests should be made seven business days in advance. 

042-24