Cooking for large groups is not the same as cooking as cooking for yourself or family. Nonprofit, volunteer-run groups that prepare food to be served or sold to the public must be sure that food handlers are preparing food safely. Food not prepared safely may lead to a food-borne illness outbreak, personal suffering, and problems for volunteer organizations.

Organizations are invited to attend the upcoming Penn State Extension training "Cooking for Crowds: A Volunteer's Guide to Safe Food Handling." The workshop is appropriate for nonprofit food providers such as churches, fire companies, school groups, and civic groups."Cooking for Crowds" will be offered on Thursday, April 26 at the Salam United Church of Christ, Route 209, Gilbert, from 7-9:30 p.m.There is a fee for the workshop. To register, contact Penn State Extension at (570) 421-6430. The brochure is also available online at:

http://extension.psu.edu/monroe.