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Home canning supplies and canned vegetables arranged on a countertop.

Master Food Preserver Volunteer Program

If you enjoy preserving food, volunteering and helping your community, SDSU Extension's Master Food Preserver volunteer program may be for you!

female youth cooking ground beef in a frying pan

4-H Food Science Project

If you have ever baked a cake or even eaten an apple, you have taken part in food science. Food science encompasses how our body utilizes food (nutrition) as well as what changes food goes through on its way to our plates (food safety and preparation).

cans of various jams and jellies on a shelf

4-H Food Preservation Project

Food preservation is a way to enjoy fresh-grown fruits, meats and vegetables all year! Many every day foods we eat are preserved by canning, pickling, freezing or drying.

a boy wearing an apron talking with a judge infront of plated food

4-H Special Foods Contest

View the 4-H Special Foods Handbook, Contestant Packet, scoresheet and resources.

male 4-H youth preparing a salad in a silver mixing bowl

4-H Special Foods Contest Project

The 4-H special foods contest is your door to an epic culinary adventure. Explore resources at your fingertips: Facebook, Pinterest, or Grandma’s cookbooks.

A variety of common food allergens arranged on a table surrounded by the word “Allergy” spelled out on wooden tiles.

Programming for 4-H Members with Food Allergies

Foods to avoid and options to provide for youth with food allergies.

Youth girl cooking in kitchen.

4-H Special Foods Contest Flash Cards

Special Foods Contest flashcards to help project participants study for the State 4-H Special Foods Contest.

male 4-H youth preparing a salad in a silver mixing bowl

South Dakota 4-H Special Foods Recipe Book 2021-2024

The South Dakota 4-H Special Foods Cookbook features recipes from 4-H youth who participated in the Special Foods Contest and received a purple ribbon at the South Dakota State Fair between 2021 – 2024.

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SDSU Extension Announces Interim Leadership Roles

September 24, 2025

The South Dakota State University College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences has announced interim roles for several SDSU Extension leadership positions.

Tim Schreiner at his food preservation booth at the Vermillion Area Farmers Market.

Schreiner Turns Backyard Hobby Into Community Support

Whether volunteering as a Master Gardener or a Master Food Preserver, Tim Schreiner says the interaction with people and seeing that “light bulb” moment after a conversation is really the fun part of the programs.