Becoming an Extension Master Food Volunteer
Why become an Extension Master Food Volunteer?
As an Extension Master Food Volunteer, you will gain a community of friends who love good nutrition, food, promoting good health, and giving back to the community. As an EMFV you will:
- Engage audiences of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities through hands-on activities, presentations, and community events.
- Increase your own knowledge about food and nutrition, food safety, and health.
- Share your interests and skills with others.
- Make new and interesting friends.
Ultimately, you will make a positive different and make an impact in your community by sharing your knowledge and passion with others!
What types of activities do Extension Master Volunteers participate in?
Extension Master Food Volunteers can choose between a variety of activities to improve the skills, knowledge, health, and quality of life of Johnson County residents. Activities include:
- Provide recipe demonstration and taste tests at food pantries and community events.
- Provide resources, handouts and engage with the public at informational booths at farmers’ markets, health fairs, and other events.
- Participate or lead cooking classes, summer camps, and after school programs for diverse audiences including older adults, adults, youth, and individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
- Provide lunch and learns or other educational presentations on various topics to businesses, schools, and community organizations.
- Help low-income individuals understand and apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
- Support families in need with basic cooking utensils distributing donations received through our Kitchen Restore Project.
- And many others!
Who can apply?
Any resident of Johnson County, Kansas, age 18 or over with a high school diploma (or equivalent), who has an interest in health, nutrition, food and food safety can apply.
When do applications to apply open?
Applications open each year in May. The class for 2024 has already been accepted and training has begun.
What happens after training is completed?
Following basic training, EMFVs are required to volunteer 40 hours of service in the activity of their choosing for their first year as an EMFV. After the first year, all volunteers are required to commit 20 hours of service and continue their personal knowledge and education with 8 hours of advanced training annually.