Master Food Volunteers

Virginia Cooperative Extension is looking for qualified applicants to become Master Food Volunteers!

Virginia Cooperative Extension is looking for qualified applicants to become Master Food Volunteers!

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, health, food safety, and physical activity.

Applicants will submit an application, be interviewed to determine their interest and availability, have their references checked, and complete a criminal background screening, which is required for all VCE volunteers.

Participants receive 30 hours of training over four-nine sessions, depending on the length of the sessions:

• Basic nutrition
• Meal planning
• Cooking techniques
• Food safety
• Working with diverse audiences

At the end of the training, participants are equipped with the knowledge and skills to confidently help others improve their lives through balanced eating and healthy living. In return, participants commit to 30 hours of volunteer service within one year of the training.

Opportunities for service include health fair displays, outreach events, food demonstrations at farmers' markets and food pantries, teaching food safety classes, assisting with nutrition programs for youth and adults, and much more!

Information will be provided soon. Please check our website again around May.

Next Master Food Volunteer Training

When: September 5, 12, 19, 26, and October 3 from 9am-12pm

How: apply through Better Impact, our volunteer management system

Format: Some Fridays will be in person, most likely at the Fairlington Community Center on the border or Arlington/Alexandria

Application Deadline: Apply by August 9 for early bird deadline. Last day to apply is August 29. 

Application Fee: $100 early bird discount (apply by Aug 9); $120 (apply by Aug 29). Fees cover ingredients, materials for classes, background check, and supplies for volunteers. Scholarships are available!

Payment is not due until the applicant is accepted and confirmed for the training.  Please note that all Virginia Cooperative Extension volunteers must undergo a background check. 

Contact Your Local Extension Agents for more information:

• General inquiries: masterfoodvolunteer-g@vt.edu 
• Alexandria City & Arlington County: Aisha Salazar at asalazar@vt.edu or 703-228-6417