The first cohort of Extension Master Food Volunteers in Cherokee County completed initial training on May 2, 2024. Trainees include Angela Henningfeld, Denise Cintino, and Joanne Schart.

These EMFV trainees  attended thirty hours of core training, and will shadow the FCS agent for one year (30 hours), assisting with classes and other activities before receiving full EMFV status.

The Extension Master Food Volunteer (EMFV) program is designed to engage residents in food and nutrition programming in their community and train volunteers to further expand the reach of N.C. Cooperative Extension.  FCS agents across the state train volunteers to support their food and nutrition programming and promote local food, thereby building their capacity to deliver high-quality, evidence-based interventions.

Volunteers work closely with their supervising FCS agent to deliver Cooperative Extension nutrition education and cooking programs, such as Steps to Health, Donation Station, Cook Smart Eat Smart, and Med Instead of Meds. In addition, volunteers have the opportunity to assist with community-based programs and outreach, which can include 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.

If you would like to learn more information about the Extension Master Food Volunteer Program, please contact Marlana Baker at marlana_baker@ncsu.edu or (828)837-2210 ext. 5