Master Food Volunteer Program

What is a Master Food Volunteer (MFV)?

A volunteer trained by university-based registered dietitians, extension agents, food scientists, and culinary experts on a variety of topics such as basic nutrition, food safety, and basic cooking techniques. Once training is complete, participants of the program are able to give voluntary service for multiple projects that utilize their training.

What do Master Food Volunteers do?

Basic Healthy Cooking Classes (Lead or Assist)

• Have you always wanted to teach someone how to make a delicious dish with fresh herbs and spices? Or show someone how to make a healthy and delicious meal in 30 minutes or less? Now is your chance!
  • If you have an interest in demonstrating your cooking skills, this might be for you! Volunteers will work with the Nutrition, Health, & Wellness Agent to identify topics to teach and demonstrate at the noon hour.
  • Classes can include but are not limited to: Cooking for 1 or 2; Knowledge at Noon; Introduction to Fish; Preserving Fresh Herbs; Cooking with Fresh Herbs & Spices; and Healthy Meal Planning, etc.

Dining with Diabetes (Assist)

• Do you have an interest in helping behind the scenes? We need your help in the teaching kitchen with food prep such as chopping produce, baking chicken and measuring dry or liquid ingredients to get ready for class!
• Assist with food demonstrations during class.

4-H 

• Assist with food-related projects or foods judging at the Sedgwick County Fair.

Community Events

• We All Eat
• 4-H Food Challenge
• Let’s DiaBeat This!

Why Become a Master Food Volunteer?

• Because we have FUN!
• Increase your knowledge of nutrition, health, wellness, cooking techniques, and food safety.
• Make new and interesting friends.
• Serve the community in new and exciting ways.
• Share your passion for health and food with others.

What Are the Program Requirements?

• Must live in Sedgwick County.
• Attend the 40 hours of training classes in September (both in-person & virtually).
• Be committed to donating at least 40 hours of approved service back to the community within the first year. After the first year, all volunteers are required to volunteer 20 hours of service and continue their education with 10 hours of advanced training annually.
  
• Have at least a high school diploma or the equivalent.
• Able and willing to travel to a training site for all classes.
• Enjoy working with adults and/or youth, and willing to share your love of food through various Master Food Volunteer projects and events.

What Does the Training Consist Of?

• Training dates to be announced soon. Classes will be held from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., one to two days per week throughout September. All classes must be attended.
• Classes in the training include basic nutrition, meal planning, cooking techniques, knife skills, food preservation, etc.
• There is a $25 fee to become a Master Food Volunteer which goes toward your training notebook, supplies, apron, and nametag.

 How Do I Get Started? 

• Submit your completed application to sarasawer@ksu.edu or return to the Sedgwick County Extension Office.