Combine your love of cooking, nutrition, physical activity, and helping others by becoming a Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Food Volunteer.
The Master Food Volunteer Program helps Extension reach more Virginians with up-to-date, research-based knowledge on food preparation, nutrition, food safety, and physical activity.
Who Can Become a Volunteer?
Anyone who has an interest in food preparation, nutrition, food safety, or physical activity can apply. Applicants should possess a desire to enhance their skills and knowledge and enjoy working with people. There is no prior educational requirement for those interested in becoming a Master Food Volunteer.
Opportunities for Service
Volunteers help support Extension’s family and consumer sciences agents through education and outreach efforts. There is something for everyone!
Health fairs
Food demonstrations
Women, Infants, and Children’s Program (WIC)
Farmers market displays
Grocery store displays
4-H youth programs
Judge at fairs
Newspaper or newsletter articles on healthy eating, physical activity, and food preparation
In-school and after-school programs
Assist with education at food distribution sites
Health ministries in your community
Cooking classes
What is Expected?
Apply for and complete the mandatory 30-hour Master Food Volunteer training course.
To help support program costs and materials, a fee is required to participate in the training.
Identify volunteer opportunities that suit your skills and interests.
Reciprocate with 30 hours of service within one year of training.
Training Topics
Basic Nutrition
Meal Planning
Cooking Techniques
Food Safety
Exercise and Healthy Lifestyles
Working with Diverse Audiences
Virginia Farm Bureau highlights Master Food Volunteers in Northern Virginia
Real Virginia features monthly half-hour television programs focusing on stories about agriculture, families, and products from Virginia.
Contact
Melissa W. Chase, Ph.D. State Coordinator, VCE Master Food Volunteer Program Consumer Food Safety Program Manager Department of Food Science and Technology (0418) Virginia Tech Blacksburg, VA 24061 (540) 231-9749 mechase@vt.edu
What Participants are Saying
“I really enjoyed the interactive activities, including group activities. I am a hands-on person and learn best from seeing and doing.”
“[I learned about] all of the community programs that are out there through the Extension program that we could be of service in, especially helping low-income families.”
“This was an excellent review of all the topics each of us should have learned at our mothers knees---that doesn’t happen in this day and age.”