Extension Master Food Volunteers 
An Extension Master Food Volunteer (EMFV) is a volunteer trained by university-based nutritionists, registered dietitians, food scientists and culinary experts and becomes certified in research-based food safety and healthy living concepts. They, in turn, give voluntary service for a variety of projects that utilize their training.
Applications for the 2023 class are due July 19.
Our mission:
Johnson County K-State Research and Extension Master Food Volunteers have a passion to improve the health, food safety awareness and quality of life of Johnson County residents by providing current, research-based information to the public. The organization embodies the education objectives of the Johnson County Extension Council cooperating with Kansas State University and the United States Department of Agriculture.
Applications Now Open for EMFV 2023 Training
About the program:
What do Extension Master Food Volunteers do?
- Teach nutrition/cooking classes to youth and adults (lead or assist)
- Kids in the Kitchen
- Basic Breads
- Vegan & Vegetarian Dishes
- The DASH Diet
- Gluten Free Baking
- Fish & Seafood for All
- Summer Pies
- Pie Baking 101
- Soups & Stews
- Food Preservation Classes
- Share their knowledge and provide cooking demos at farmers’ markets, food pantries, health fairs, local businesses
Why become an Extension Master Food Volunteer?
- Increase your knowledge about 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
- Access to free or discounted EMFV cooking, nutrition and fitness classes
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 and food safety can apply.
What you'll learn:
Classes in the training include:
- Basic Nutrition
- Food Safety
- Cooking Techniques
- Meal Planning
- Food Labels
- Knife Skills
- Preparing Fruits & Vegetables
- Protein Basics
- Fish
- Soy & Legumes
- Grain Foods
- Preparing Desserts & Sweets
- Dairy & Eggs
- Food Preservation (home canning, dehydrating and freezing)
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 that first year, all volunteers are required to volunteer 20 hours of service and continue their education with 8 hours of advanced training annually.