Nebraska Extension
Nebraska Extension is offering ServSafe® Food Safety training throughout the Nebraska Panhandle in 2026. There are plenty of upcoming chances for food service managers and employees to get certified or refresh their skills.
These training sessions aim to help restaurants, food trucks, schools, and other food establishments improve food safety, lower the chances of foodborne illness, and meet Nebraska’s certification standards. With new state regulations emphasizing food safety due to the updated Nebraska Pure Food Act, having trained staff is crucial for running safe and successful food operations.
“ServSafe training boosts confidence in food safety, protects customers, and helps maintain consistent operations,” said Ashley Fenning from Nebraska Extension. “We urge businesses to take advantage of these training sessions to ensure their staff is ready and compliant.”
The ServSafe® Food Protection Manager course is a one-day training for owners, managers, and supervisors. It covers vital topics like preventing food contamination, managing time and temperature, employee health, and effective cleaning. Participants learn to implement safe food-handling practices from procurement to service. The course includes a manual, eight hours of instruction, and a proctored certification exam, so participants can complete everything in one day.
Upcoming ServSafe Food Protection Manager Trainings:
- July 9 – from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Prairie Winds Community Center, Bridgeport
- Oct. 6 – from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Box Butte County Extension Office, Alliance
- Nov. 3 – from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Panhandle Research, Extension & Education Center, Scottsbluff
The ServSafe® Food Handler training is a shorter, half-day course aimed at employees who handle or prepare food. It focuses on everyday food safety practices, covering personal hygiene, cross-contamination prevention, allergen awareness, and proper cleaning procedures. Each session also includes a proctored Food Handler test.
Upcoming ServSafe Food Handler Trainings:
- June 9 – at Platte Valley Bank Conference Room, Chadron
- Aug. 13 – at Cheyenne County Fairgrounds, Sidney
- Dec. 1 – at Prairie Winds Community Center, Bridgeport
The cost for the ServSafe Food Protection Manager training is $160, while the Food Handler course costs $40. Both prices cover instruction, materials, and exams. Participants must register three weeks before the course date.
To register, you can visit this link or call the Morrill County Extension Office at 308-262-1022.
For further details, contact Ashley Fenning at 308-262-1022 or astevens4@unl.edu.
In today’s food industry, food safety is not just an option; it’s essential. Recent reports show that nearly 48 million people in the U.S. get sick from foodborne illnesses each year. Training programs like ServSafe are vital to educating staff about preventing these incidents. Better safety practices mean safer dining experiences for everyone.
