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July 6, 2026 – University of Illinois Extension serving DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt counties is offering a free, multilingual Certified Food Protection Manager training this summer aimed at supporting workforce development and food safety education.
The course will be held at Richland Community College in Decatur on July 28 and 30, and August 4, 6, and 11, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in room SC01.
Organizers say the training is being offered in partnership with the Center for Hispanic & Immigrant Community Opportunities and the Macon County 4-H and Extension Foundation.
The multi-session program will cover topics including the federal food code, safe food handling practices, cooking temperatures, employee hygiene, and facility safety standards.
Course materials and the certification exam will be provided in Spanish, with a live Spanish-language interpreter available during instruction.
“Learning in your primary language can support comprehension, particularly on complex topics like food safety in a restaurant,” said Caitlin Mellendorf, Nutrition and Wellness Educator with University of Illinois Extension.
Participants must attend all sessions to complete the certification, which must be renewed every five years.
Registration is open through July 6 at go.illinois.edu/CertifiedFood.
