Aspiring home food producers in Okmulgee and surrounding areas will have the opportunity to take part in a vital training session this summer as part of the 2025 Homemade Food Freedom Act Workshop series. The Okmulgee session will be held Friday, July 18, at the College of the Muscogee Nation in Lecture Hall (LH) 101, located at 2170 Raven Circle. The workshop will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This day-long, in-person workshop is a mandatory requirement for anyone who plans to sell homemade food products under the Homemade Food Freedom Act in Oklahoma. Enacted to expand economic opportunities for small-scale food entrepreneurs, the law allows certain food items to be prepared and sold from home without a health department license provided that individuals first complete an approved training program such as this one.

The Oklahoma State University Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center (FAPC) is hosting the workshop series, which aims to educate participants on the legal and safety responsibilities associated with selling homemade food. Key topics covered during the workshop include:

• A comprehensive overview of the Homemade Food Freedom Act

• Types of food products allowed under the law

• Proper labeling requirements • Allergen awareness and safe handling

• Basic principles of food safety

• Introduction to pH levels and water activity in food safety

• Legal obligations for home food producers By understanding the regulations and food science behind home-prepared items, participants will be better equipped to launch or grow a food business that is both safe and compliant.

In addition to the Okmulgee event, two other workshop sessions are scheduled later this year for those who may not be able to attend locally:

• Sept. 10 – President’s Hall, OSU Extension, 2500 NE 63rd Street, Oklahoma City

• Oct. 8 – FAPC Room 120, 304 N. Monroe Street, Stillwater All sessions begin promptly at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 5 p.m.

Those interested in registering or seeking more information are encouraged to contact Karen Smith at the Food and Agricultural Products Center. She can be reached by email at fapcregistrations@ okstate. edu or by phone at 405744-6277.

This workshop represents an important step toward empowering Oklahomans to safely participate in the growing market for locally made and home-produced foods. With homemade jams, baked goods, candies, and more gaining popularity, proper training ensures that consumer safety and product quality remain top priorities.

Seats may be limited, so early registration is recommended for anyone hoping to take advantage of this unique opportunity in Okmulgee. Use the QR code to register. Cost of training is $35, and lunch is provided.