Focus on Food Safety classes are open to all involved in food preparation and handling, from home cooks to food service volunteers and individuals employed in restaurants or other food service establishments. The classes are designed to teach Kansans how to properly store and prepare food in order to reduce food safety risks. Attendees will learn about cooking and cooling foods, hand washing and hygiene.

The 90-minute programs are free of charge, but reservations are required to ensure adequate space is reserved for the group. Attendees can choose from one of the two sessions offered in each location.

“Everyone plays a role in food safety. These classes provide an opportunity for Kansans to get hands-on training to improve their food handling, preparation and storage techniques,” said Kansas Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Lodging Program Manager Steve Moris. “We want to help Kansans reduce food safety risks by providing valuable education and training opportunities in communities across the state.”

Programs will be offered at the following locations: 

July 31 in Parsons – 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. at the Parsons Municipal Building (112 South 17th Street, Parsons, Kan.). Contact Barbara Ames with the Wildcat Extension District Montgomery County at 620-331-2690 to RSVP.

August 2 in Emporia – 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the Lyon County Extension Service Building (2632 West Highway 50, Emporia, Kan.). Contact Rhonda Gordon with Lyon County Extension at 620-341-3220 to RSVP. 

August 13 in Hays – 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. at the Hays Recreation Commission (1105 Canterbury Drive, Hays, Kan.). Contact Linda Beech with Ellis County Extension office 785-628-9430 to RSVP.

August 15 in Dodge City – 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. at the Ford County Jail meeting room (11311 East Comanche Street, Dodge City, Kan.)  Contact Ethel Schneweis with Ford County Extension office 620-227-4542 to RSVP.

August 27 in Topeka – 2:30 p.m. at the SRS Learning Center (2600 SW East Circle Drive South, Topeka, Kan.). Contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Lodging program at 785-296-5600 to RSVP.

September 6 in Hutchinson (held during Kansas State Fair) – 2:00 p.m. at the Cottonwood Court on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. Contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Lodging program at 785-296-5600 to RSVP.

October 15 in Topeka – 2:30 p.m. at the SRS Learning Center (2600 SW East Circle Drive South, Topeka, Kan.). Contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Lodging program at 785-296-5600 to RSVP.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Lodging program promotes public safety by regulating lodging facilities and the production, distribution and storage of food products in Kansas. The program inspects grocery stores, restaurants, convenience stores, schools, senior meal sites, mobile food units, food wholesalers and warehouses, food processors, food manufacturers and lodging facilities.

For more information about the Kansas Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Lodging program, visit http://www.ksda.gov/food_safety/.