Calling all community members who wish to become an Extension Food Volunteer!
Dare County Extension will be offering a new Master Food Volunteer Training in 2025.
You don’t have to be a food expert to apply! In fact, the only requirement is that you have an interest in learning about community food, health, and nutrition and to share what you learn with others.
What is a Master Food Volunteer? Volunteers work closely with their supervising FCS agent to deliver Cooperative Extension nutrition education and cooking programs, such as Steps to Health, Faithful Families, Cook Smart Eat Smart, and Med Instead of Meds. In addition, volunteers assist with community-based programs and outreach, including food preservation classes, lunch n’ learn workshops, cooking demonstrations at community locations (such as farmers’ markets and food pantries), kids cooking camps, and community health fairs.
How do I apply to the Dare County Master Food Volunteer Program?
Download your Volunteer Application MFV for the Dare County Master Food Volunteer Program. Applications may be mailed or brought to the N.C. Cooperative Extension Center at 517 Budleigh Street, (P.O.Box 968 - mailing), Manteo, NC 27954. You may also email your application to Tanya Lamo, telamo@ncsu.edu. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Is there a fee? The cost for the program is $75 per person, which is due once you have been accepted into the program.
How do I become a Master Food Volunteer? Becoming a Master Food Volunteer is a two-part process: training and then a volunteer internship.
Thirty hours of training are required and learning sessions include lectures, hands-on activities, field trips, and guest speakers.
You will receive education in the areas of food safety, nutrition, health, and community. Upon completion of the training and achieving a passing score on a written, take-home exam, you will begin a 30-hour volunteer internship that must be completed by December.
Master Food Volunteer training will:- increase your knowledge of community health and nutrition
- give you the skills to help people with their food knowledge,
- provide a meaningful way for you to contribute to your community,
- increase your confidence, and
- introduce you to a whole new group of folks who share your love of volunteering.
