Q: Are you offering the Extension Master Food Volunteer Program again in 2006?

A: Yes, we are. K-State Research and Extension in Douglas, Leavenworth and Shawnee Counties are partnering to offer the second Extension Master Food Volunteer Program starting in February. If you enjoy food, love to cook, are interested in nutrition, and want to become a “master” at your culinary skills and also help your community, then the Master Food Volunteer Program is for you.

Volunteers will receive approximately 40 hours of training in food science, food preparation, food preservation and food safety. These classes will be taught by K-State Extension nutrition and food safety specialists; county extension agents in Douglas, Leavenworth and Shawnee Counties; and community nutrition educators. Each day of training will be filled with demonstrations and hands-on learning.

Once they’ve completed the program, volunteers will have the opportunity to share their skills and knowledge with their community. Projects could include providing cooking classes for adults and children, answering a holiday hot line, working at a nutrition display at health fairs, or offering bread baking and food preservation workshops, just to name a few. The possibilities are endless.

The Master Food Volunteer Training 2006 will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays on the following dates: Feb. 16, Feb. 23, March 2, March 9, March 16, April 6, April 13 and April 20. Applications are due by Jan. 30. The training will take place at the K-State Research and Extension-Douglas County Office. A $75 fee is charged to cover the notebook, apron, name tag and teaching supplies.

The class size is limited to 30 people. For an application and more information, please contact Susan Krumm at 843-7058.

Q: Who can become a Master Food Volunteer?

A: If you are interested in food preparation, food preservation, food safety or food science and meet the following requirements, you can apply:

¢ Possess a broad interest in foods and nutrition.

¢ Have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.

¢ Be able to read and comprehend the Master Food Volunteer notebook and supporting materials.

¢ Have reliable transportation to and from trainings and volunteer activities.

¢ Be available for the 40-plus hours of training.

¢ Be committed to donating at least 40 hours of approved service back to your community.

¢ Enjoy working with adults and/or youths.