I've been getting this question since I started in this position two years ago.

Do you have people like Master Gardeners, but with food?

Now that I've gotten comfortable with the position and what is required, I'm ready to start training Extension Master Food Volunteers (EMFVs)! In March, I had the opportunity to attend my EMFV Facilitator Training at the Dinah E. Gore Teaching and Research Kitchens on NC State University's campus. During those days, I interacted with agents and specialists from across the state to discuss the potential of having dedicated Master Food Volunteers and what an active group can do for the community. If you are ready to share your skills, develop new ones, or learn more about the Family & Consumer Sciences side of Extension, keep reading to find out how you can get involved!

Are you interested in food and nutrition and making a positive impact on your community? Becoming an Extension Master Food Volunteer is a fantastic opportunity to enhance your knowledge, develop new skills, and contribute to the well-being of your neighbors.

Why Become an EMFV?

As an EMFV, you’ll:

• Gain In-Depth Knowledge: Complete 30 hours of core curriculum covering essential topics like Nutrition, Food Safety, Cooking Skills, and more.
• Hands-On Experience: Spend 30 hours shadowing experienced agents, gaining practical skills and insights into community programs.
• Continued Learning: Participate in 10 hours of continuing education annually to stay updated on the latest in food and nutrition.
• Make a Difference: Volunteer 20 hours each year to support programs that promote healthy eating and food safety in your community.

Core Training Topics

You’ll receive training in a variety of areas, including:

• Program Management: Learn how to effectively plan and execute food-related programs.
• Nutrition and Changing Health Behaviors: Discover potential food-related policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) changes that could be implemented in the community, and understand the importance of diet quality and dietary patterns in food security and health.
• Food Systems and Local Food: Discover the impact of local food systems on community health.
• Cooking Demonstrations: Gain confidence in leading cooking demos and teaching others.

Volunteer Opportunities

Certified EMFVs support a wide range of programs such as:

• SNAP-Ed: Educate youth and adults on healthy eating habits.
• Cooking Demos: Showcase healthy cooking techniques at community events.
• Safe Plates and Food Preservation: Teach essential food safety and preservation skills.

How to Get Involved

• Sign Up Today: Complete the EMFV interest form
• Complete the Training: Invest time in the comprehensive core curriculum and shadowing hours.
• Start Volunteering: Apply your new skills and knowledge in community programs.

Why It’s Worth Your Time

By becoming an EMFV, you’ll not only enhance your own skills but also play a crucial role in improving public health in your community. Plus, you’ll join a network of like-minded individuals who share the same drive for food and community service.

Ready to make a difference? Sign up now and start your journey as an Extension Master Food Volunteer!