Frequently Asked Questions
Master Food Volunteers
What if I can’t attend all of the 40 hours of training?
With busy schedules, it’s understandable that you may need to be absent on occasion. You may miss up to two days of training but you will need to make sure that you read and understand the material that will be covered. Be sure to also let one of the County Extension Agents know when you will be absent. In addition, you will need to make arrangements to get any supplemental handouts that are distributed. If you need to miss more than two days, it may be best for you to apply again at a later date when your schedule permits you to attend the minimum number of required hours of training.
How will I know if I am accepted into the Master Food Volunteer Program?
Once applications have been accepted and reviewed, potential applicants will be called and an interview will be scheduled. During the interview, applicants will meet with the County Extension Agent to review and discuss the mission and requirements of the Master Food Volunteer Program. It is highly recommended that applicants ask any questions that they may have about the program to make sure that it matches their needs and expectations. After all applicants have been interviewed, they will be notified by mail whether or not they have been accepted.
What kind of training is offered?
Given that everyone learns differently, the County Extension Agents and Extension Specialists will provide a variety of lectures, demonstrations and hands-on activities. In addition, a number of guests will be invited to speak on different topics.
What should I wear and what will we do for lunch?
Because you will be cooking, wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and bring an apron if you want to wear one. Temperature of the room may also vary, so bring a sweater. Lunch is on your own but eat light as you will be sampling many different recipes each day of training.
Once I have completed the training, how long do I have to complete my volunteer time?
After completing the training, you will have one year to complete your volunteer service. The volunteer service is vital to the success of the Master Food Volunteer program. When you are accepted into the program, you are entering into a contract with K-State Extension to give back an equal amount of volunteer time in return for the 40 hours of training. If you are unable to complete the volunteer hours, you will forfeit the title and privileges of being a Master Food Volunteer.
What kinds of activities can I do for my volunteer time?
Here is a list of possible volunteer activities:
- teach cooking and nutrition classes and workshops
- answer questions on seasonal food, nutrition, food safety and food preservation topics.
- test pressure canners.
- analyze and modify recipes for better health.
- assist with educational displays and food demonstrations.
- write food and nutrition related articles for various media.
- assist with foods judging at county fairs.
I have an idea about a program that I would like to do. Will I be able to do it?
New ideas are always welcome. The County Extension Agent will visit with you about the program to see if it is appropriate and if approved, will help you organize it. Your program will need to be educational and provide research-based information. The agent will help you with selecting appropriate resources. If you want to offer food samples or have something that you want to buy for the program, the agent will need to approve any expenditures.
A group has asked me to do a program for them. Will I be able to count it for my volunteer time?
Again, visit with the County Extension Agent to see if the program is appropriate. The agent must approve all volunteer activities.
I am also in a food-related business. May I use the Master Food Volunteer title when I am selling my products?
No. Because you are representing Kansas State University when completing your volunteer time, you may not endorse any commercial product or business. In addition, you may not solicit or accept any speaking engagements or other activities that involve payment for your services. Again, your unpaid volunteer time
needs to be pre-approved so always check with the County Extension Agent if you are unsure about the appropriateness of a program.
Once I have completed my volunteer time, how do I continue in the Master Food Volunteer Program?
To continue as a Master Food Volunteer, you will need to complete six hours of advanced training and 25 hours of volunteer service each year. Advanced training may be offered through Kansas State University or through the county extension office, and will require additional fees.