How to Become a Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Food Volunteer

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.

Anyone with 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.

What would I do?

• Represent VCE at health fairs‌
• Offer cooking classes and food demonstrations
• Host farmers market or grocery store displays‌
• Assist with youth programs (4-H)
• Author articles on healthy eating, physical activity, and food preparation
• Assist with education at food distribution sites

What is expected?

• To help support program costs and materials, a fee may be required to participate in the training.
  • Apply for and complete the mandatory 30-hour Master Food Volunteer training course‌
• Reciprocate with 20 hours of service in subsequent years (15 of direct service, 5 of continuing education)
  • Reciprocate with 30 hours of service within one year of training

What does the training cover?

• History of Cooperative Extension
• Basic food safety, food allergens, and safe cooking techniques‌
• Nutrition
• Physical activity
• Healthy lifestyles‌
• Risk management

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…”

Contact your local Extension agent for more information

Visit Virginia Cooperative Extension: ext.vt.edu