Cooking for Crowds is a workshop for nonprofit groups that prepare food for fundraisers. Participants will learn how to prevent unsafe conditions that may cause foodborne illness when planning, purchasing, storing, preparing and serving food.

Cooking for Crowds is designed for non-profit groups that host food fundraisers and events such as meals, bake sales, sub sales and dinners. 

There are a range of food safety risks that develop when cooking large volumes of food. Learn to reduce these risks and help prevent the conditions that may lead to a foodborne illness. Participants will learn about safe purchase, storage, preparation and service when preparing food for events or fundraisers.  Each participant receives a Cooking for Crowds food safety book, which highlights food safety information as well as resources and tools to help you safely plan your next food event.

"Very informative — opened our eyes to what needs to be changed at our church." — Cooking for Crowds participant

Have a question?

Not sure if the food in your fridge is safe after a power outage? Do you have questions about safely preserving food at home? Whatever your question, MSU Extension’s food safety experts can help. Call our Food Safety Hotline at 1-877-643-9882, Monday-Friday from 9AM to 5PM, EST.

Our Impact

175,000+

people served food by the 1,880 volunteers trained in Cooking for Crowds since 2011.

78%

of participants gained new knowledge in cleaning and sanitizing practices.

71%

of participants plan to check food temperature with a calibrated food thermometer after attending our class.